You're All I Need. Karen White-Owens

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СКАЧАТЬ After all, we work together. Please, call me Chris.”

      She smiled. “Okay. Chris.”

      He looked handsome in a crisp white silk shirt, a floral multicolored tie, and navy trousers. His hair had that rumpled, just-out-of-bed look that movie stars sported. One wayward lock fell across his forehead. Tia shoved her hand inside the pocket of her suit jacket, ignoring the urge to smooth the blond tresses into place.

      Instead, she handed Chris the stack of pages. “Take a look at the motion and brief. Let me know if you need any changes.”

      “Thanks, Tia. Will do.” He flipped through the pages and then gently patted her shoulder.

      Chris’s soft touch made Tia’s skin tingle and her heart race. “You’re welcome.” She struggled to keep her voice light and professional.

      Was it just Chris’s way? A cultural habit? Tia didn’t remember Reynolds ever acting so familiar. She doubted Chris was flirting with her. He seemed far too professional to jeopardize his career over a light dallying. Yet, she found herself remembering that spark that had surged between them the day they met. Tia also noticed that Chris always maintained physical contact with other staff when he spoke with them, too.

      Tia put a step or two between them and waited.

      He flipped through the pages. “You’re very efficient.”

      “Thank you. That’s what I aim for.” Tia started for the door and called over her shoulder, “I’ll be leaving for lunch around one. Let me know if you have any changes.”

      “Will do.”

      Tia returned to her desk. She typed in her password, unlocked her computer, and opened a new file. Her fingers rested on the keyboard as she considered the past week. Doing double duty for Adam and Chris hadn’t been as difficult and merciless as she had expected. Adam kept his word, finding help from other staff when needed.

      To make life easier, Chris typed his initial documents and then e-mailed them to Tia for the proper formatting and proofing. He displayed a high level of self-sufficiency and didn’t require a lot of hand-holding.

      If she had any concerns about their working relationship, it would be that the heightened physical awareness contributed to her nervousness. No matter which way Tia turned, Chris stood near her, watching with his intense stare that made her wonder if she had forgotten to comb her hair or brush her teeth that morning.

      The object of her thoughts came out of his office and stopped at her desk. “You’re going to lunch at one?”

      “Yes. Do you need something?”

      His suntanned skin turned a light shade of red.

      What the heck is going on? Tia wondered, fascinated by the transformation.

      “Can I ask you for a favor?”

      Uncertain, she hesitated before answering. “I guess so.”

      “I hope you won’t take this the wrong way.”

      Tia’s curiosity grew. Butterflies fluttered in her belly. What could he possibly want? Tia wondered. Maybe he needs me to delay my lunch to finish some work. “What can I do for you?”

      “Where do you think you might go?”

      Oh! She relaxed. He wants me to pick up a meal for him. I can do that. “I haven’t decided. Do you want me to pick up something for you?”

      He chuckled nervously. “No, thank you. Actually, I’d like to come along with you. S’il vous plaît.”

      With me? What is this? Confused, she gazed at the man. “Um. Sure. I guess.”

      Chris brushed blond hair away from his eyes. “I don’t think you understand. I’m always alone. I live in the hotel here and eat here every day. It would be nice to share a meal with a friendly face and get away.”

      He surprised her. But she understood the feeling of being away from friends and family and bored with your own company. “I don’t know where I’m going for lunch, but you’re welcome to tag along.” She nibbled on her bottom lip. “Let me think for a minute. Have you been to any place outside of the RenCen?”

      “Sweet Lorraine’s, Tom’s Oyster Bar, and the Marriott restaurants.” He shrugged. “That’s it.”

      “We won’t go to any of those places.” Tia twisted from side to side in her chair as she considered several eateries for lunch.

      Chris shoved his hands into his pockets. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to get out and see a bit of the city.”

      “No, I don’t mind at all. It makes perfect sense. Oh!” Tia sat up straighter as a spark of an idea surged through her. She waved a finger in the air and said in a confident tone, “I know where we’ll go.”

      He eagerly took a step closer to her desk. “Where?”

      “Traffic Jam. Students around Wayne State call it TJ’s. They have a pretty diverse menu. I’m sure you’ll find something you’ll like. Plus, we’ll take the scenic route so that you can see some of Detroit.” Tia shrugged apologetically. “Some of it’s not so nice.”

      “Merveilleux! But what is TJ’s?”

      “It’s a restaurant on Wayne State University’s campus. After we eat, I’ll take you around the Fisher and the old General Motors buildings so that you can check it out. Plus, it’s a colorful area. It’s part of the cultural center. The Detroit Institute of Arts, the main public library, and the medical center all surround the campus. We’ll do a road trip.” Excited with this adventure, Tia reached for her telephone. “Let me put something on voice mail and call Ruby to let her know that we’re going to lunch. She can cover for me if Adam needs anything while we’re gone. And I’ll leave a message for Adam. I’ll meet you at the elevators in ten minutes.”

      “Merci beaucoup! I appreciate it.” Chris grinned and checked his watch. “See you in ten minutes.”

      “No problem. You’re welcome. This will be fun.”

      Chris slipped into the olive-green-vinyl-covered bench opposite Tia and glanced around the restaurant. “This is TJ’s?”

      Nodding, Tia glanced at the menu offerings. “Pretty much. This is the place. It’s a hangout for the local Wayne State students and a trendy locale for the surrounding businesses.”

      “Nice.” He picked up the paper menu and studied it. “How is their vegetarian lasagna?”

      “Oh! It’s heavenly!” Tia shut her eyes, envisioning the delicious mixture of spinach, three cheeses, and pasta noodles.

      A tall, lean man with silver facial jewelry approached their table. “Welcome to Traffic Jam. I’m Sunshine and I’ll be taking care of you today.” He placed a white beverage napkin in front of each of them. “Can I start you off with something to drink?” Sunshine pointed to a section of the menu listing beers and wines.

      Pursing his lips, Chris gave the question his complete attention while he studied the wine list. “You СКАЧАТЬ