Unexpected Gifts

Since he knew he had to wait, this once, keeping things all business was probably for the best. That was why he suggested taking their coffees to his office.

“Zac?” Eli said.

He noticed they were standing in his office doorway. “Sorry. Thinking about things I have to do.” Mainly asking out Eli. “Have a seat.”

He had a copy of Ariel’s schedule in his briefcase, but handed her the one on his desk instead. “Here you go.”

She reached for it, and for the briefest second, their fingers touched. Zac didn’t think of himself as a sentimental sort of man, which is why his awareness of that smallest of touches surprised him. Of course, it shouldn’t have. Yet, everything about Eli Cartwright touched him.

“It looks—”

Eli was cut off as Cessy burst into his office. “Z-man, help. I need a ride to—” Cessy stopped short as she caught sight of Eli. “Sorry, Ms. Cartwright. I’m not used to Zac having people in his office this early on a Saturday morning. I’m much better behaved on weekdays. Uh, the principal didn’t send you in to talk to Zac about my inability to be quiet in class, did he?”

Eli laughed. “No. I’m not here about you.”

Zac knew he should reprimand his irrepressible sister, but she stood there grinning and practically radiating happiness. He couldn’t muster up even a small tsk of disapproval.

She ran a hand over her brow. “Phew. I’d rather the principal talk to Mom and Dad any day of the week. They’re pushovers. Zac, he’s tough.”

He laughed. “Yeah, that’s why you’re coming to me for a ride somewhere, because of my world-renowned toughness?”

“Zac, I say you’re tough in front of people so they won’t catch on to what a marshmallow you are.” She fished in her pocket and pulled out a small thing to twist her wildly curly hair into a ponytail.

“So, where are we riding to?” he asked.

“I was sort of hoping you’d drive me over to Grove City’s outlets after I finish my morning shift. They’re having a preholiday sale, and I’d really like to go do some early Christmas shopping.”

“Mom and Dad said you could go?”

She shook her head. “I’m going to ask after I have everything set up. It makes it harder for them to say no if I have all my bases covered.”

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