Read Secret Admirer for Free Online Page B

pack of tissues. I watched some football so I’d know what was happening next week at the big game party at Alec’s. I assumed, okay desperately hoped, Garrett and I would meet there. As much as I wanted to go on a date as he sort of suggested in our last text, I was nervous and thought meeting for the first time in a group would be more comfortable.
    By Sunday night, I was feeling physically improved and emotionally optimistic. In only a couple of weeks in my new city, I’d gone from one-of-the-guys Andi, to Andressa who flirts via text with a stranger and in person with another guy.
    Suddenly Secret Admirer took on a double meaning. I may have been Connor’s, but maybe Garret was mine.

Chapter Six
    “Hi there.” I leaned over Connor to grab a lid and moved a little closer than necessary.
    He didn’t back away.
    I felt goose bumps appear where our arms brushed.
    “Hey, have a good weekend?” he asked.
    “Yeah, lots of fun. How about you?” I wasn’t about to tell a guy I was attracted to I’d spent the weekend hosting the snot monster.
    “It was okay,” he answered with a slight shrug.
    I wanted to stay there and introduce myself, but people jostled around us to get milk, sugar, and stirrers. Mondays were always crowded at the Fresh Start. The tingles of a minute earlier were replaced with annoying shoves. We both rolled our eyes at the obnoxious commuters and walked out. Still, I felt like we shared a moment, even if my new confidence stemmed from the weekend’s conversation with Garrett.
    Just before opening the door of my car, I turned to catch a last glimpse. He was checking his phone with a frown and put it back in his pocket. I wondered what or who could be make him look so sad.
    Back at the office, Bree and the other co-workers told me about their weekend, and I listened with jealousy. Josh didn’t show up on Friday night at the bar, so they stormed his apartment and found him licking his wounds and pints of ice cream in the wake of another break-up with Sam. Clare later told me this wasn’t the first time they had to drag him off the couch and fill him full of Margaritas and roast the unfaithful boyfriend. I wanted to be part of this loyal group of friends.
    Though still not feeling my best, I trudged through the work day, microwaving soup from home for lunch instead of venturing out in the cold and wind for a salad. Guilt hit about not telling Garrett I was feeling better or thanking him for asking about me. Suddenly, I felt the confidence to initiate a conversation for the first time. I looked around the break room to make sure I was alone and selected his contact.
    Me—thx for checking on me Friday. I’m better, at office & among the living
    A moment later, my phone pinged.
    Garrett—yay, I’m sure you’re happy to be back at work
    Me—wouldn’t go that far. Going to Superbowl party?
    Garrett—that’s the plan, c u there?
    Me—yup, I’ll be the stranger
    Garrett—I’ll find u
    Me—☺
    I never knew when to end a text conversation, but this one felt right. I sensed we were close now, flirting at a higher level. I liked our exchanges but was careful not to cross a line. Since we were both at work, ending it with the smiley face emoji I usually found cheesy seemed appropriate.
    I treated my bold move to reach out to him by opening a new box of candy hearts and spilling them out on a paper towel.
    “Oh, candy hearts! I love those.” A friendly voice filled the silence.
    “Here, share the calories with me,” I told Clare.
    She entered the communal room mid candy-dump. “You can’t just eat them, you have to sort first.” She removed a container from the refrigerator.
    I laughed and pulled out the chair next to me, inviting her to sit. “Well, of course, come on and help me.”
    We sorted by color, creating several piles, and then separated out the doubles of the same sayings. She only liked the pink ones, but for me the fun was in the meanings. At least, that’s what had