The One Night(25)

Ford: Good on the eye cream, Mom. Thanks though.

Mom: Well, if you’re not going to use it, bring it with you so I can give it to Cooper. He’s starting to get some crow’s feet.

Ford: Can’t wait to tell him that.

Mom: Don’t pick on your brother. He’s sensitive.

The elevator door dings, and I glance up to the parting doors, expecting someone from marketing to drop off the mock-ups, but instead see a wisp of ice-blonde hair right before Larkin steps off and walks toward my office, a paper bag in hand.

I lean back in my chair and watch her approach me, a smirk crossing her lips.

“What are you doing here?” I ask as she sets the brown bag on my desk. “I told you to go home.”

“I couldn’t let you not eat dinner.” She pulls out two carry-out cups from Gelato Boy, our favorite ice cream place in Denver. She pushes a cup toward me, along with a spoon. “Got your favorite, Gooey Buttercake and Caramel.”

“You’re trying to make me wake up earlier than I want so I can get in some extra miles on the pavement, aren’t you?” I take the gelato and remove the lid. Creamy gelato mixed with caramel glistens up at me, making my mouth water. Didn’t realize how much I needed this until now. “I plan on getting in three miles.” She scoops a spoonful. “Which means you have to at least meet me or beat me.”

Mouth full of ice cream, I answer, “You know I’m going to beat you.”

She smirks. “You always do.”