Page 30 of Wild Card
“Talon, don’t do this.”
“Answer me, Willow. Have you eaten?”
“No.”
“Me neither and I’m starving. We have to eat.”
“Starving…” Bex drags out the word.
“Well, if you won’t go out with me, we’ll have to eat here.”
“You can’t eat here. This is my work.”
“I was told there is a nice breakroom and had lunch delivered.”
“You did what!?!” she squeaks and Bex snorts.
“Your next appointment is in an hour. We better get started.”
“How do you know that?”
I stand, motioning for Bex to lead the way.
She bounces across the training room to a large break room loaded with covered platters.
“Oh my God, what did you do?” Willow gasps from behind.
“I’m resourceful. Anticipating your rejection was step one, I made alternative plans.”
“There’s enough food here to feed an army.”
“Not an army, but hopefully twenty.”
She looks around then shakes her head. “Wait, Bex mentioned… did Lucas know about this?”
“He’s useful.”
“He’s dead meat.”
“I think the words are ‘Thank you’.” Lucas strolls in, shaking my hand and going straight to a tray. “It’s been forever since we’ve had Ralph’s.”
“Ralph’s?” This time, Willow’s question is laced with amazement. “I love their food.”
“That’s why I ordered it.”
“But they don’t deliver.”
“They do with the right amount of persuasion.”
The amazement in her voice spreads to her expression. A slow burn trails through my chest at the glittering shade of emerald aimed at me. In this moment, her guard is down and appreciation reflects my way.
“I’m not sure what to say.”
“Once again, ‘Thank you’ works at times like these.” This time it’s Bex’s suggestion.
“Lolo!” A streak of blue races past me.
Willow’s mouth drops at the same time she squats to catch the little boy as he throws himself at her. She rocks back, swaying him from side to side. “What in the world?”
