Crossing Paths by Melanie Stinnett Page A

she smiles and laughs like a giddy schoolgirl, making me think she might actually be into this guy. The only weird thing was that in the middle of talking about him, she asked me if we could meet Liam for lunch one day this week. I know how commitment-phobic she can get, so she better not try to avoid this new guy by making plans with me. I’m going to encourage this relationship even if it only lasts a few weeks. Considering the longest she spent with the same guy in college was a weekend, anything would be an improvement.
    Alright, back to the task at hand. I shouldn’t be thinking about Caroline this morning. I’m sitting in my office, typing and retyping a document. Every two seconds, I look out my door toward the entrance, waiting for a glimpse of Cohen. I know, I know. It’s ridiculous.
    This morning, Mr. Hargrove told me the three of us would be having lunch together, and it’s almost eleven o’clock already. Oh crap! I forgot to text Caroline to let her know that I can’t meet her for lunch today. Leaning down under my desk to retrieve my phone from my purse, I notice a slight scuff on my shoe. I rub my finger gently across it, but I’m only making it worse. That’s awesome. Now, I have officially caused a wardrobe malfunction. Oh well, at least my hair cooperated this morning.
    “June?” a familiar voice says.
    It’s a voice I didn’t realize I had memorized.
    I lift my head too quickly and bang the back of it on the edge of the desk. “Ow,” I whine, closing my eyes.
    “Are you okay?”
    Before I see him, I feel Cohen’s hand on my arm as I open my watering eyes. His hands are gentle and reassuring, but I curse myself for letting this be our reintroduction—and for possibly messing up my hair.
    “I know I told you not to attack me, but that didn’t mean you should attack yourself,” he says while smiling down at me.
    “I am so sorry. I should probably go to the restroom and take a look at this.”
    “Here, let me. You probably won’t be able to see that far back on your head.”
    He laughs, and I roll my eyes at him.
    “Is it tender?”
    “A little,” I say, wincing as his hands work their way through my hair to the spot where I hit my head.
    “I think a little knot is coming up. If you start feeling tired or dizzy, you need to let me know. You might need to have it checked out.”
    “Oh, I’m sure that won’t be necessary,” I say, trying to dismiss my clumsiness. Is it ridiculous that I want to throw him onto my desk right now? Maybe I do have a head injury. “Let me see if Mr. Hargrove is ready for lunch.”
    I pick up the phone and dial my boss’ office number.
    He answers after half a ring. “Yes?”
    I’m taken aback by his abruptness. “Uh, Mr. Hargrove, Cohen is here. We were thinking about leaving soon for lunch.”
    “I’m sorry, June. I won’t be able to make it. I’ve got an overseas conference call that’s been rescheduled for twelve thirty. Go on without me.”
    “Oh, okay. We’ll see you this afternoon,” I say before hanging up the phone.
    “Well, it looks like it’s just the two of us,” I say, turning to Cohen.
    “Great! What’ll it be?”
    “Hmm…do you like Mexican food? There’s this amazing Mexican place just a block or two away.”
    “Perfect.” He smiles.
    “I’m just going to step into the ladies’ room for a quick second.”
    I walk into the restroom, pull out my phone, and dial Caroline’s number.
    She picks up after just one ring. “Hey, are you busy for lunch?” she asks.
    “Yeah, sorry, and I’m going to be late for dinner tonight.”
    “Business crap?”
    “Well, remember that guy I got the flowers from?”
    “Uh-huh.”
    “He’s here, and he’s hot. We have to go to lunch alone because my boss is busy. I’m freaking out.”
    “No big deal, June. Just be yourself, and try to relax.”
    “Right…relax. I can do that.”
    “Sure you can.”
    I hear her laugh, and I roll my eyes, knowing she probably thinks my