On the way to June's coffee shop, he passed the rescue. Outside in a crisp red dress, Mimi balanced on a ladder, attempting to change the letters on the billboard in front of their building. Even though no one was holding the ladder for her, he forced himself to keep driving. Not my problem. She should have someone spotting her, but that someone is not me. Glancing in his mirror, he saw her knee bend and one foot came off the step as she reached up. Grumbling, he swung into the mechanic's parking lot and turned around.
..
"So, is this how you plan to end it?"
As she startled, the ladder rocked. Her eyes went wide when she saw him below her. "No."
Adam stepped forward and steadied her ladder on instinct. When he looked up, all he saw was crinoline and the cutest round bottom he had ever seen in his life encased in white panties. Cherries were printed all over them. Jesus Christ, he was only human. Was the universe trying to kill him?
From above, she said, "Thank you, Adam. I'm almost done. Did you stop by to get the photo of the big check?"
He hadn't even thought of it today. "I forgot to put it in the truck. It's still at work. Marge insisted I leave the office for lunch."
Starting down the stairs, taking tidy steps, her bright red cherry earrings brushed against her neck. "It's almost two and you haven't eaten?"
"Not today," he said, smiling down at her. Mimi did not know she'd shown him her underwear. "I was going to June's for a sandwich, coffee and cake. Wanna go?" Unlocking the ladder, he eased a section down.
After placing the box of letters on the ground, Mimi wiped her hands. "Their cupcakes were outstanding. I bet my people would like a coffee time treat. Care to give me a ride?"
To keep from tucking a stray lock of her red hair behind her ear, Adam gripped his hand into a fist.
She picked up the box. "Let me put these inside. We could swing by your office after the coffee shop and take the picture of the big check in front of your business for the next post." He hefted the ladder. Mimi turned at the door. "Unless you mind."
"I don't mind. It'd be nice for promotion reasons, and I'm enjoying your company." Tension eased at the base of his head, and his skull stopped throbbing.
...
When he swung the cafe door open for her, she ducked under his arm instead of waiting for him to move out of the way.
"Oh, I wanted to tell you... well, to say thank you." Her hands waved about, her nails bright red. "For the kiss experiment. I misjudged kissing."
Grin spreading across his face, he said, "I like to be helpful."
Toying with an earing, she turned shyly away from him. He followed her through the busy cafe until they stopped at an empty table close to the window and she dropped into her chair before he could draw it out for her.
Sitting down, he offered, "If you want to practice more, I can make time."
She reached over and playfully pushed his arm as if she thought he was kidding. There was no artifice in her. Her heart beat visibly on her sleeve. "Do you ever lie?"
Menu in hand, she looked up. "Do I?"
"Well?"
"Sometimes. Doesn't everyone? I don't tell my brothers that they can't sing."
"Are their voices bad?"
"Mating cats are more on pitch."
"I'll remember that if I'm ever invited to a family sing a long." He flipped open his menu and pondered the sandwiches. "The club sandwich is pretty good."
"I brought left over roast for lunch." She set her menu down primly on the table. "I am here for their famous cake."
"Good choice. I would recommend the carrot cake."
All smiles, a teenage server sidled up to their table. Adam reached out and took Mimi's hand. "Tell me anything, everything. I need a distraction today."
The server giggled, and Adam noticed the phone in her hand. The young woman said, "I hope you don't mind." She looked down at the picture she had just taken and smiled. "Aren't you two the hero hotty and cutie cupcake couple?"
Cheeks pinked, Mimi drew back her hand.
"We can link to you." The teen focused on her phone, thumbs flying. "The owner will be pumped about this photograph. Can I post that you like our food?"
"Is that okay with you, Mimi?"
Brows lifted, Mimi asked the server, "Does that mean we can get some free cake?"
"Sure, you guys are famous." With a giant grin on her face, the girl headed to get their coffee.
He offered his hand to Mimi again, leaving it open on the table. "Tell me about your day, so I can forget mine."
After a brief hesitation, she put her hand in his. "I guess Jen's Social Media Campaign is working."
"Definitely, two of my best guys asked to meet me later today." He gave her fingers a gentle squeeze. "They want more responsibility and to have their own independent work crews. Which means hiring more people, and letting go of some control."
"Is that hard for you?"
