Free As Time Goes By (The Californians 2) by Lori Wick Page B

scared him to think that something could happen to her when they had just gotten her back.
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    Troy never answered her, but for the moment Bobbie
    didn't seem to notice his quiet behavior.
    "I need to get back to work."
    "I'll go with you," Jeff said, and trailed silently after her. Troy's gaze had warmed slightly, and Jeff, not in clined to take things personally, figured Troy had been worried about his sister.
    The walk back to the shipping office was equally as quiet as the exit from the house. Wasting no time once she was back inside, Bobbie went straight to Bill's office. She entered when he called "come in" and Jeff walked into the storage room to find Gil.
    "I'm sorry, Mr. Taylor, I really am. It never occurred to me that you didn't know. I do have an extra pair of glasses that I'll bring in so I won't be completely out of commission if this happens again."
    Bill listened in patient silence. She had apologized at least six times, and even though he had assured her that everything was fine, he could see that this had really shaken her up. She wasn't anywhere near this upset when she left, and Bill couldn't help but wonder what had happened while she had been gone with Jeff.
    They continued to talk, and in time Bill could see that he was finally getting through to her, making her under stand he wasn't at all upset and that she still had the job for as long as she needed.
    But as they finished, Bill wondered if he should ques tion Jeff. Maybe he could shed some light on why this very efficient young woman had been totally rattled over her glasses breaking.
    "I should have explained to you," Gil said quietly.
    "I should have seen with my own eyes that she needed help." Jeff was still reprimanding himself as he and Gilbert talked in the back room.
    "Well, I'm glad you spotted her at the mercantile when you did and Rigg was able to grab her. Don't look so down, Jeff. You said you apologized."
    "I know." But Jeff didn't look the least bit consoled. He left the storeroom to help two customers, and by the time Bobbie came out of Bill's office, he had formulated a plan.
    "Bobbie," Jeff approached her immediately. "I was wondering if you'd let me take you to lunch today?"
    "That's very nice of you, Jeff, but you don't have to do that." Bobbie was in no way fooled by this sudden invitation. Jeff was still feeling badly about the morning and Bobbie admitted to herself that it had been very upsetting, but it was nothing to feel guilty about for the remainder of the day.
    "I know I don't have to. I want to."
    Bobbie smiled at him, but didn't answer. He was dif ferent now than when she had known him before, very different. In fact, it was like getting to know a complete stranger. She knew his treatment of her that morning had not been out of rudeness and Bobbie wished she knew him well enough to know what was going on inside his head.
    Jeff had no idea how handsome he looked to Bobbie at that moment, as he looked at her in silent entreaty. 'He really is wonderful to look at,' she told herself, still wishing she knew him better.
    "I brought my lunch." Bobbie tried another tactic after a moment of silence.
    "Then take it home with you." Jeff was not to be dissuaded.
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    90 Lori Wick
    Bobbie cocked her head to one side. "Has anyone ever called you pushy?"
    "I think you just did," Jeff answered, and deliberately mimicked Bobbie's movement with his head.
    Bobbie put her head to the other side and Jeff did the same. She told herself not to smile. After all, she rea soned, it would only encourage him.
    "You're trying not to smile," Jeff said knowingly, and
    it was too much for Bobbie. Her grin nearly split her face. "Will you go?" "Yes."
    Jeff's grin was triumphant and Bobbie shook her head in mock disapproval as she headed into the back room.
    thirteen
    The next hour saw a buzz of activity in the front of the shipping office. Gil and Bobbie worked steadily in the back, with an occasional trip out front to help Jeff and