ng that her sisters, Cecilia and Phebe, were well cared for. There was no room for distractions, especially not romantic ones. She

ng at the restaurant, she coul

in her mind more than she cared to admit. She told herself it was just because he was different from the people she usual

swept away, but there was somethi

lanned

at the restaurant. She told herself she was just too tired to c

him. The restaurant was busier than before, and waiters mov

enze appeared from behind the counter, his

walking up to her with t

n't flatter yourself. I jus

re. I'll believe that-fo

d for a mome

with a glass of orange juice bef

" she asked, rai

oothly. "I pay attentio

es but couldn't hid

ion That Fe

omething change

gered, asking her about her day, making lighthearted joke

at one point, resting his arms on th

ed. "I'm no

. "It's like you carry the weight

responsibilities. Not everyone h

ly, studying her. "Carefree?

ged. "Are

er now. "Maybe. Or maybe I just know that l

't just his words-it was the way he said them, as i

a long while, she al

oken At

wanted to admit. She convinced herself that he was just a friendly face in an o

sed to make your heart race wh

ay at work, she found herself at the restaura

dessert tonight," he said

ubbing her temp

" he said, winking before di

returned with a small

's on me,

. "You're not supposed

onsider it my good

irst time that day, she let ou

smile. "See? Told you everyone ne

ad. "You're troubl

kind," he rep

, she found hersel

nted Co

time for distractions, and Kenze was exactl

orget, even if just for a little whi

fter her meal, Kenze suddenly

an eyebrow.

aid, leaning forward slightly.

s. "Flattery won't

ho said I'm tryin

couldn't hide the way her hear

e was charming, yes, but she couldn'

rant that night, she couldn't shake the

she thought he was. And this was only the