Read Online Secret Admirer by Ally Hayes - Free Book Online

assumed we had a thing going. I had trouble falling asleep and left my phone on and next to me on my other pillow. The tell-tale ping sounded at twelve-oh-one.
    Garrett—Happy Valentine’s Day Andressa! Can’t wait to see you tonight
    The message put my nerves at ease, but the photo of the two candy hearts which followed allowed my mind to drift off happily, if not giddy.
    Sweet Dreams/XOXO

Chapter Nine
    Not since I was a kid and anticipating heart-shaped pancakes had I awoken so excited for Valentine’s Day. More importantly, Meet-Garrett Day. I resisted wearing a red or pink sweater, I knew my limits, but did dress up a bit.
    I ran into Connor, literally, at the Fresh Start and was happy for choosing a dress. I bumped him on my way to get a lid and thankfully neither of our coffees spilled. “Oops, I’m sorry.” The words gushed quickly from a combination of nervous energy and embarrassment.
    He reached down to pick up the item that dislodged from his hands during the collision and said, “No, no my fault.”
    The dropped item was familiar looking. And while I tried not to stare, I confirmed the bag did indeed contain large candy hearts.
    As he tucked the candy back into his messenger bag, he caught my smirk. “What?” he asked and narrowed his gaze.
    “Nothing.” I replied, but my smile betrayed me.
    Connor held up the bag. “The candy? Not what you think, they’re for a project. Sort of.”
    “Okay,” I said teasingly while walking toward the service station. “I’m not judging.”
    He followed right behind me. “What about you? You’re all dressed up. Do you have a valentine?”
    I weighed my words and turned to face him again. “I’m not sure exactly.”
    “Uh huh,” he said.
    I detected a note of doubt in his voice. “Well, I might. I guess that depends how tonight goes.”
    “In that case, good luck.” He coffee-cup saluted me.
    “You too, with your project that is.”
    We both laughed politely and left at the same time. I sped off to work still in a happy mood. This frame of mind and the sun shining brightly served me well to deal with Bree’s nerves. She was a wreck all day, despite promising me she hadn’t said anything to Alec. Her assurances were so out of character for her I couldn’t help but feel suspicious. Part of me hoped he would do it that night sparing me another round of future speculations.
    Almost everyone in the office took advantage of the lunch-at-your-desk-leave-early offer. Some left carrying flowers and teddy bears which were delivered to the office. I left with nothing but best wishes from Bree and Clare. As we were walking out, Clare carried a vase of flowers so I asked if they were from her boyfriend.
    “They are, but they’re more of a consolation prize. I told him on Wednesday not to bother coming for the weekend. I’ve had enough.”
    “Wow.” I stopped walking and faced Clare. “Are you okay with your decision?”
    She stopped too and switched the large vase to the crook of her other arm. “Absolutely. I’m following your lead, making a fresh start. I’m going to the party tonight in full force, no regrets. I want to have fun, let loose. If I find someone I like, I don’t want to have to say I’m kind of seeing someone. I’m sick of our lame relationship holding me back from meeting Mr. Right.”
    “Good for you. I’m sure he’s out there for you somewhere. Have fun, even if your Mr. Right isn’t there tonight.”
    Despite my empty hands, I was still hopeful. My mood soared back to the morning’s level as I walked to my car and heard the distinctive text alert chime I’d assigned to Garrett’s contact the previous day.
    Garrett—This isn’t easy, but I’ll give it another shot
    A series of photos of the large candy hearts followed.
    It’s True/U R Cool/Why Not/Be Mine/For Real/C U Soon/Secret Admirer
    I wanted to wait to reply, but I couldn’t resist acknowledging his efforts.
    Me—I’m flattered. That must have been a lot of