JESSICA TIPTOED TO James and wrapped her arms around his waist. “Hey.”

He turned around, his blue eyes twinkling. “I hope I didn’t drag you away from a very important client meeting.”

“Nah, nothing that can’t wait until after lunch. So. What are you in the mood for? I have to say, I do love a romantic, impromptu picnic at the park.” She fluttered her eyelashes and flashed a seductive smile.

“Your schedule can’t accommodate what I really want right now.” He smirked. “So we’ll just have to settle for something simple like a sandwich, until I can get you home tonight.”

Jessica giggled and pointed to the bag he was carrying. “Okay. I see you already stopped at the deli. I guess you didn’t want to be tempted to steal me away, huh?”

“Well, I need you to get these clients so you can stay out here. That means keeping you both nourished and focused. We’ll save the juicy stuff for after work hours, what do you say?”

“Great plan. Although I do hate waiting…”

“Don’t do this.” James groaned. “Come on, I’m being so good!”

“I’m just playing. I do have four meetings this afternoon, booked solid.” She took his hand. “But you’ve got me now. What are you going to do with me?”

He slung an arm around her shoulders and led her towards a grassy knoll. “Awesome. I’ve got a whole set-up for us.”

Jessica clapped her hands together. “James! This is so perfect!” She ran to the red-and white-checkered tablecloth spread out on the lawn, kicked off her shoes, and sat on her knees. “Don’t keep me in suspense any longer…what’s in the bag? I’m famished!”

He grinned and pulled out two subs. “I went out on a limb here and got you an Italian because I know how much you love pepp—”

“Oh yay! That’s my favorite!”

He laughed. “I was nervous, so I got a few others just in case, like turkey and cheese, roast beef and cheese, ham and—”

“Cheese?” Jessica laughed. “I am a cheese fiend. Cheese and pepperoni.”

He handed her a bottle of Fiji water. “Thirsty?”

She nodded, taking in the scenery. “It’s so beautiful here. This was a great idea.”

“Like I said, it’s not my ideal but it’s a nice break from a hectic day. Hey, are you okay with meeting Chris for a late dinner tonight? He’s all over my case to bring you around, so I figured a public place would be safe.” James snickered and twisted off the bottle cap.

“Of course! That sounds great, I’d love to get to know him. I’m flattered he wants to get together.”

“He’s pretty curious about you. If I keep putting him off, he’s going to torment me until I finally give into his demands. So really, you’re doing me a favor. He’s unrelenting.”

“I can’t wait. It’ll be fun.” She sipped her water, her lips still tingling from the hot cherry peppers spilling out of her sandwich. “This is super-spicy! I love it!”

“I’m glad.” James put his sandwich down and looked into her eyes. “Jess…you’re really incredible, you know that?”

Jessica felt her cheeks flush. “That’s a really sweet thing to say.”

“It’s the truth.” James crawled over to her. “You’ve kind of turned everything upside down for me, but in a good way. A very good way.” He twirled a lock of her hair around his finger.

She cocked her head. “Can things really be this perfect?”

“I wouldn’t have believed it before. But being with you is amazing. I feel like this was meant to happen, like you’re the one I’ve been waiting for. This whole thing…it’s just…right.”

“I never thought this would happen in a million years. I was sure it was going to be a little fling, something that would fizzle out as soon as I left California the first time.” She flashed a nervous smile. “You know what happens when you get too hot too quickly.”

“What? Like you need to take a cold shower or something?” He chuckled and took another gulp of water. “I’m kidding. I know what you meant, and I get it. But sometimes…you just need to let things happen. Don’t question whether something’s too good to be true. Just sit back and enjoy the ride.”

“I’m kind of a control freak.” She met his eyes. “I don’t usually throw caution to the wind.”

“I know. I figured that out the first time we met.”

Her voice dropped to a whisper. “But there’s something about you that makes me want to take that leap, to fly blindly through the air, not knowing when or where I’ll land.” She cupped a hand to his cheek. “Because I know you’ll be there to catch me.”

James leaned back on his hands, a playful smile lighting up his face. “Yes. Yes I will. Unlike someone I know who let me fall out of a kayak not too long ago.”