Just One More Breath by Leigha Lewis Read Free Book Online Page A

my spare time to come up with a few new programs for The A.R.T Center and threw myself head first into getting them started. I brought in a nurse practitioner so birth control could be given out directly at the center, and set up a full-blown daycare center with a licensed teacher instead of just a few volunteers babysitting on the premises. Getting those two projects off the ground took up most of my thoughts during the day.
    Shawn had stayed true to his promis e of staying in contact with me. We spoke frequently via text and email, and even a few times over the phone. Being in constant contact with him made me feel nervous, yet giddy. I enjoyed our banter and laugher, despite wondering why he was giving me this much attention, it warmed my heart nonetheless. We hadn’t been able to see each other due to our crazy work schedules. After two weeks had passed, we made plans to check out a bar near Shawn’s place in Brooklyn named “Chance.” Shawn made me pinky swear via email that I wouldn’t cancel, and when five o’clock rolled around, I received a simple text from him, that I couldn’t help smile at.
     
    Shawn : I’m here.
     
    I finished up the email I was typing, shut down my computer, and ran outside to meet him. When I plopped into the passenger seat I was greeted by the set of deep dimples that always made me feel heat in all the right places.
    “Well , hello there,” Shawn said with forged astonishment. “I was beginning to think you would never have time to hang out with an old friend. I bet it would’ve been easier to get a lunch date with the President.”
    Shawn threw in on e of his signature winks and I giggled. “Sorry.”
    “No problem, I can ’t wait to hear about these new projects over dinner and drinks.” I smiled and nodded as he pulled into the tight traffic of rush hour.
    Chance was a quaint and cozy Pan Asian restaurant in downtown Brooklyn. Generously scattered tea lights offered subtle lighting, while the soft sounds of jazz playing through speakers, created an intimate, almost romantic setting. We took a seat in the far corner of the restaurant and Shawn quickly ordered edamame and a couple of Mojitos.
    Our conversation started off relaxed as we talked about everything and nothing at all. It was clear that Shawn didn’t want me to feel overwhelmed and bombarded with questions. However, after one drink, it was me who initiated the first personal question. “So, Shawn, how is your family?”
    I had never actually met any of Shawn’s family, but I had heard so much about them in the past, I felt like I knew each of them personally.
    Shawn looked a bit surprised. “You remember my family?”
    It was my turn to look surprised. “Of course, I do.”
    Shawn grinned widely at me . When Shawn really smiled, his dimples made an appearance. They often caused my breath to hitch. I found them adorable, but I also knew he didn't smile that warmly with everyone. Shawn was the consummate flirt, but he seemed to hold himself back with people, until he was really comfortable. That was probably why seeing his dimples made me smile as well. They were cute, but they also meant I was with the real Shawn Burns.
    “They’re all doing really good. Although , Shane bought a house and moved to Chicago with Mariana,” he said unhappily.
    My eyebrows shot up. I clearly remembered Shawn and his family not being too fond of Mariana. I could only imagine how having Shane move across the country, and make such a big purchase with the girl, was bothering them. “Yikes, I bet your mom isn’t taking that well.”
    “She isn’t . I swear she complains about it every time we talk. To make matters worse, he called us two weeks ago to let us know that he plans on proposing to Mari in the very near future.”
    “Oh , damn.”
    “Yep, my only hope is that he comes to his senses before they make it to the altar.”
    “If he loves her as much as I think he does, that probably won’t happen,” I pointed out.
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