All That I Need (Grayson Friends) Read Online Free Page B

the cheesecake, and reached for her chair. “I’ll walk you to your car.”
    Fallon came to her feet and glanced at him over her shoulder. “That’s not necessary.”
    “Since I plan to follow you home, I think it is.”
    *   *   *
    Fallon kept looking in the rearview mirror. First dates—if they went well—usually ended with a good-night kiss. But considering theirs had started out as a business/thank-you, Fallon wasn’t sure what to expect at the door. Lance had certainly sent out mixed signals. She couldn’t get a handle on him.
    For once, the parking spot in front of her door was vacant. She pulled in next to Naomi’s SUV. There was a light on in both of their apartments, but since it was barely eight thirty Fallon was sure Naomi and Richard were still at his parents’ place.
    Shutting off the motor, Fallon got out of her car with the cheesecake and searched the parking lot for Lance. She saw him seconds later. It was easy to pick out his muscular build, the easy stride of his walk. He appeared self-assured, but there was something there that she couldn’t quite put her finger on. With her leaving at the end of the week, she wouldn’t have time to figure out what.
    “Sorry to keep you waiting. I couldn’t find a parking space.”
    “That’s all right,” she said, horrified to hear the breathlessness in her voice. She quickly reached into her bag for her key and turned to open the door. It opened on the first try despite her shaking hand.
    “Most women have to search for a key.” Lance shoved his hands into the pockets of his dress slacks. “I should have known you’re too smart for that.”
    “Comes from traveling and moving so many times,” she said. Then she faced him and took the plunge. “Would you like to come in?”
    “I should get back,” he told her, his expression bland. “There’s still a lot of paperwork and tagging to be done before the auction.”
    She honestly didn’t know if she was disappointed or not. Starting something with Lance might feel good, but she wasn’t sure it would be good for her. “Good night, and thanks for today and dinner tonight. And this.” She held up the dessert.
    “You’re welcome. Good night.”
    She entered her apartment and couldn’t help one long, last tempting look at him. She’d see him at Richard and Naomi’s wedding, but somehow Fallon knew if she and Lance didn’t connect now they never would. She started to swing the door shut.
    The flat of his hand stopped it. His hand flexed on the door as if he wasn’t sure of himself. “It goes without saying that if you want to come out to the house again, you’re welcome. I’ll be working there all day tomorrow.”
    Fallon couldn’t keep the wide grin off her face. “I’ll be there the same time. I want to write up my notes.”
    “I’ll see you then.” Reaching out, he closed the door.
    Fallon threw the dead bolt and headed to her bedroom. She hadn’t gotten the kiss, but tomorrow was another day.
    *   *   *
    Fallon woke up with a smile on her face. She didn’t even think of denying it was because she was going to see Lance. He intrigued her as much as he made her want to take a bite out of him. Laughing, Fallon bounded out of bed and hit the shower. She’d never had such a crazy thought in her life.
    Twenty-three minutes later, she was knocking on Naomi’s back door. In Fallon’s hands were two mugs. One held a mixture of coffee creamer and sugar. The other mug was empty. She might bum coffee, but she always came with what she wanted in it.
    It was seven ten, but Fallon knew her neighbor and friend would be up and alone. Naomi taught kindergarten and would be up getting ready for work. And since her ex was no longer a threat, Richard wouldn’t be spending the night.
    Fallon heard the locks disengage seconds before the door opened. “Good morning,” Naomi greeted. “Help yourself to coffee.”
    “Bless you.” From long practice, Fallon prepared herself a cup of