Total pages in book: 23
Estimated words: 22036 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 110(@200wpm)___ 88(@250wpm)___ 73(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22036 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 110(@200wpm)___ 88(@250wpm)___ 73(@300wpm)
After repeating the path between the office and his apartment, Aspen asked, “What else can I do to help? Would you like me to help you unpack?”
“I’ll be fine bumbling about to get my clothing organized where I can find them. I’ll let you go enjoy your afternoon. I don’t want to take all your time off,” Tim told her, feeling his lips curve at the edges.
There hadn’t been a lot for him to smile about after the accident that took most of his sight. The job at Edgewater had come at just the right time. Even without twenty-twenty vision, Tim had seen the writing on the wall. He’d become a liability at his old job.
Mentally shaking off his negative thoughts, Tim instructed, “Go do something fun. Boston and I will see you on Monday.”
“Can I come check in with you tomorrow?” she asked.
Tim needed to rely on himself now. This new job was a way for him to take charge of his life again. His accident had ripped everything away. He opened his mouth to tell her he’d see her on Monday at the office but paused when Aspen stepped a bit closer.
“Mr. Simmons, I’m not pushy and I won’t imagine that you’re attracted to me. I’m just your administrative assistant. Let me assist,” she suggested. Her hopeful tone made him agree even as he bashed himself over the head for nodding his agreement.
She disappeared as soon as he approved her suggestion. Tim closed the door and turned to stare into the new space. He tried to push Aspen from his mind, but her words echoed inside him as he unpacked his things.
I won’t imagine that you’re attracted to me.
Chapter 2
“Do you like ice cream?” she blurted when her new boss opened the door.
“Yes.”
“I’m going to treat myself to a scoop in the cafeteria. Would you like to join me?” Aspen asked.
He could hear the nervousness in her voice. What was she worried about? “Suddenly, ice cream sounds amazing. I’d love to have a scoop.”
“Hooray! The cafeteria is in A Tower. It’s the opposite way from our office. We’ll explore the other side of the campus today,” Aspen shared.
With Boston called to his side and his sunglasses in place, Tim picked up a weathered tennis ball and stuck it in his pocket. “I’m ready.”
As they passed others enjoying the beautiful day outside, Tim concentrated on the route and appreciated that the other employees heeded Sharon’s warning that Boston was working and shouldn’t be petted or distracted. People called greetings, but no one invaded a bubble of private space around him. The preparations Edgewater Industries had taken to allow him to work effectively impressed Tim.
“Doggy!” A toddler’s voice alerted him first as Boston halted and backed up next to Tim’s side, drawing him to a stop.
“Anabel. No pets for this dog. He’s working,” a caring voice explained as she scooped the child off the sidewalk. “Sorry. Anabel loves everything with four paws.”
“No problem,” Tim accepted the apology easily.
“This way, Tim,” Aspen directed, slipping her hand under his elbow to re-acclimate him to the correct direction.
Immediately, Tim struggled away from the controlling touch. “Never take my arm. Offer yours or refrain from touching me completely.”
He heard the mother’s quick intake of breath as her feet whispered across the grass to back away from him. From the stranger’s reaction, Tim knew he had spoken too harshly.
“I’m sorry,” Aspen apologized immediately.
“Ice cream,” he redirected her. Tim did not apologize for his tone. If they were going to work well together, she would have to be willing to deal with hard lines of what was acceptable or unacceptable for him to maneuver in his new reality.
They continued to walk in silence. Tim could feel from her rigid posture that she was on edge. He allowed her time to process through her thoughts.
“Are there any other no-no’s that I need to avoid?” she asked.
“Yes. I can’t sum them all for you on a tidy list. I’ll be honest. I don’t know them all yet.”
“So, you’ll just tell me if I do something wrong?” Aspen suggested.
He could hear and feel the positivity returning to her voice and body language. She needs boundaries. Aspen is happier when she’s operating within guidelines.
“Yes.”
“Okay,” she answered. “We’re almost at the door of the cafeteria. The space is organized in categories—like sandwiches to the right, drinks in the middle, etc. It’s kind of a mess.”
“We’ll figure it out,” Tim assured her.
“You and Boston are a great team.”
“We are. I, however, was referring to you and I.”
“Really? I feel like I’ve made a bunch of mistakes,” Aspen confessed. “We’re here. Do you want me to guide you to the ice cream section?”
“I would like that. Are you okay with me holding your arm?” Tim asked.
“Of course.” Aspen moved closer and held her elbow away from her body to allow him to wrap his fingers around the inside of her upper arm.