Page 41 of Be My Valentine

“Wait! What are you going to wear on Saturday?”

“I don’t know, I’ll go pick it out with Allie on Saturday morning.”

It was almost the truth.

“It’s too late! What if you can’t find anything suitable?”

“I’ll find it! Can we work now?”

It was a few minutes before two o’clock, and Kate stood motionless in front of the law office entrance. Damn duffel bag! She couldn’t hide it from Annie Carson; she wasn’t at her desk at the moment, but she couldn’t be far away. Besides, it scared her to see Mark. It wasn’t out of the question that she would melt in front of him, jump on him, sigh when she met his gaze. She was quite smitten.

I’ve fallen in love like a stupid teenager, and I don’t even know what I mean to him.

Chapter 17 / Mark

If I had a flower

For every time I think of you,

I could walk in my garden forever.

(Alfred Tennyson)

Mark saw her motionless in front of the glass door to the study; he walked out in turn.

“Is something wrong?”

He noticed that she was as taut as a violin string and couldn’t even look him in the eye.

“I don’t know what to do with this,” she pointed to the duffel bag, “I’ll be asked about it.”

“Give it to me, I’ll take it to my office.”

“No.” Kate tightened her hands on the shoulder strap “Carson will see it; she comes into you at least ten times a day.”

“I’ll tell her the truth.”

Kate finally stared at him.

“Don’t you dare!”

Mark shrugged.

“She already knows you helped Emma with the foundation, so it’s only natural that my parents would want to meet you.”

Kate bit her lip indecisively and Mark closed his eyes, holding back the urge to kiss her. He couldn’t resist her, she was adorable.

“All right, let’s do as you say,” she let go, “I’ll follow you.”

They walked in together, Annie Carson, appearing as expected, scrutinized them and Kate quickly reached the desk.

After a few minutes Mark found the head of his staff in his study.

“Can I help you? Do you need me to have your stuff taken to the cleaners?”

“No, thank you Annie. It’s a personal matter.”

“I won’t peek through your dirty clothes, rest assured.”