Read Crossing Paths for Free Online Page A

is too dangerous for pedestrians.”
    Ma’am? Do I really look that old…or unattractive? Now, I only have ten minutes until the meeting begins. My feet are already aching from faltering in these heels, and the sun is glaring down on the pavement. Place a big fat checkmark in the unfriendly city column.
    When I take off down the block at a quick pace, I realize that construction has also blocked off the next two cross streets. I become aware of the fact that if I don’t start running, I’m going to be late to this meeting. Regretting my decision to wear heels, I take them off and start a slow jog with the sunlight hitting my face.
    After I finally come around the block, glad to have the sun on my back, I start up the steps to the front doors of the Truman building. All of the sudden, I run smack into the back of a man in an expensive business suit. I fall awkwardly against a railing to the side of the doorway. Feeling a sharp pain around my ribs, I know I’ll have some serious bruises later today.
    “I am so sorry. I’m running late, and I just didn’t see you.” I peer up at the man, but I can’t make out his face. The glare of the sun reflecting off the glass door behind him is making it hard for me to keep my eyes open.
    “No, no. It’s my fault. I stopped too quickly as I came up to the door. Let me help you.” He gently moves toward me, his body blocking the sun’s reflection and bringing his face into view.
    When I see his beautiful hazel eyes, I know he has to hear me gasp.
    “I thought maybe you wouldn’t recognize the stranger you threw a magazine at.” He laughs gently. “By the way, my name is Cohen.”
    Although my face is already heated and likely red from my last-minute jog, I feel it going another shade deeper.
    “Um, I’m so sorry. My name is June.” Placing my hand in his, I allow him to pull me back onto my feet.
    “Well, June. Are you here on business?”
    “Yes, I’m going to a meeting in the Rousch conference room.”
    He tilts his head slightly, grinning down at me. “Let me show you the way. Maybe we can discuss your frequent need to assault me after the meeting, but first, you might want to put on your shoes.”
    Embarrassment doesn’t even begin to cover the emotion I’m feeling right now. I pay careful attention to make sure my heels end up on the right feet. Placing his hand on the small of my back, his touch is slight but present as he leads me through the large glass doorway and then over to the elevator. Looking up at him, I smile timidly.
    When we reach the conference room without further assault, I turn to say good-bye.
    “Thank you for showing me where to go. I’m running a little late, so I better get in there,” I say, pointing at the doorway behind me.
    “Oh, I’m not leaving. I’m attending the meeting, too.” He walks through the door, heads over to the refreshment table, and pours himself a cup of coffee.
    I take my seat, which happens to be the only empty seat remaining, and then I watch as Cohen takes his place in the front of the room. This situation is getting worse by the second. My sophomore year experience was trivial compared to the fool I just made of myself.
    Cohen leads the meeting without any hint of awkwardness. I shamelessly stare at him although no one notices because they are all staring, too. Thank God staring is normal when intently listening to someone.
    I force myself to pry my eyes away for a quick review of my notes. Throughout the meeting, I gather myself at the appropriate moments, and I respond based on the guidance my boss has given me, using a couple of points from my personal notes along the way. And then, too quickly, the meeting is over.
    I take off for the restroom, which seems to be my hiding place lately. When I look down at my feet, I notice a few scuff marks on the side of the left shoe. Taking it off, I can see that the red interior of Caroline’s shoes is covered in black. Taking off the other shoe, I notice that the