Secret Admirer by Gail Sattler Page A

line with Shannon so she could pay for her books. He didn’t feel the least bit contrite when she teased him that he should have waited with his own purchase, since he was now standing in line a second time. In a way he found it oddly satisfying that for once she was teasing him instead of the other way around.
    In fact, he couldn’t remember the last time he’d enjoyed himself so much or felt so relaxed—once they stopped talking about work.
    Outside, he wished he could ask her to do something so they could spend more time together, but he couldn’t think of anything open at that hour on a weeknight except for the fast-food restaurants. They’d just spent the last two hours together over coffee and dessert, so she would think he was up to something if he suggested more food. Instead, he could only accompany her to her car, which was across the almost empty parking lot from his car.
    He watched as she inserted the key into the lock. The time they’d spent together was the closest thing to a date he’d ever had with Shannon. Every other time they’d been together outside work, they’d traded constant banter, even insults, and were always part of a threesome, with her brother, Craig, present.
    She swung the door open, tossed her purse and the bag containing the books onto the passenger seat, and started to step into the car. “I guess I’ll see you at work tomorrow. ’Bye, Todd.”
    Todd stepped closer as she bent more to get into the car. He didn’t know what they could do, but he didn’t want to part ways. “Shan! Wait!”
    At his words, Shannon retracted her foot, which had not yet touched the floor of the car, and backed up. “What?” she asked as she straightened. She obviously hadn’t known he had moved so close to the car, because when she turned around her eyes widened when she discovered they were now only inches apart.
    With the car behind her, Shannon couldn’t back up. Todd didn’t move. They were so close he could have simply lowered his head—and kissed her. He suddenly wanted to kiss her more than anything he’d ever wanted in his life.
    â€œWell? Did you want something?”
    â€œI. . .uh. . .” Todd’s brain backfired. He couldn’t do it. Not only would she not have expected such a thing from him, but they were in the middle of an almost deserted parking lot. He stood there with his mouth hanging open.
    Shannon giggled. “What’s the matter? Does calling me Shan instead of Shan-nooze when we’re out of work short-circuit your vocal chords?” She raised her hands, rested her palms on his chest, and gave him a gentle nudge backward. “While I appreciate your not calling me that anymore, you’re standing so close I can’t focus properly. Was there something you wanted to tell me?”
    He wanted to tell her he loved her. He shook his head. “It’s not important. I’ll see you in the morning.”
    Todd waited while Shannon got into her car and drove away, not moving until she’d left the lot.
    He could hardly wait for morning and the start of a new day at work.
    â§
    Todd walked slowly into the office and looked around. Since he was earlier than usual, none of the office staff had arrived, which was what he needed. He hurried to Shannon’s desk, picked up the note he’d left from the day before that was meant for her to read this morning and replaced it with a new one. He rammed the old one into his pocket, hurried into the lunchroom and began making a pot of coffee to be ready when everyone else arrived.
    Just as the last drop dripped into the pot, Todd heard footsteps in the doorway. He peeked over his shoulder, hoping it was Shannon, but it was only Gary.
    â€œGood morning, Todd. You’re in early.”
    â€œYeah. I left a little earlier than usual, and traffic was light.”
    â€œYou have good timing. You know I’ve given