"I think that's all I have," Caldwell said, glancing through his notes. "The budget looks good. And Grodin said something about a new computer program for the industrial technology department?"
She nodded. "Peter was hoping to get better software, so I suggested he check educational waivers for licenses. Turns out he got an entire classroom licensed for free."
"Damn," Steven whistled. "Well played, Doctor."
Elizabeth smiled. "There's always a way."
She'd been warned about him before coming to South Glen. Steven Caldwell could be a bit brusque at times, and occasionally he got short with people who didn't respond to his requests with the precision and efficiency of a military unit, but all in all, he was a good administrator who valued good work. It wasn't his fault that bureaucracies were nightmares to work with. He just took some getting used to.
"All right. The numbers look good." The colonel shut his folder and tucked his pen back into his pocket. "Thanks."
"You're perfectly welcome."
He glanced at his watch. "Oh, I didn't realize we'd gone so late. Would you like to get dinner?"
She smiled gently. "Actually, I have plans. Thank you, though."
"Of course." He stood, pushing his chair back as he collected his papers. "See you tomorrow, Elizabeth."
"Good night, Steven."
It wasn't until she was halfway home, turning into her neighborhood, that it occurred to her: Steven Caldwell sort of just asked her out.
Elizabeth had just started finished setting out clean plates in the dining room when her doorbell rang, and Sedge tore past her, barking. She smiled wryly, wiping her hands on a dishtowel. Dogs: pleasantly straightforward.
She opened the door to find John in jeans and a slightly-rumpled blue buttondown, a sheaf of flowers in one hand. "Hey. I like your house."
"Thanks." She laughed, holding the door open. "Please, come in. Sorry if Sedge is a little excited."
"It's okay. I'm pretty exciting."
"Sure you are," Elizabeth assured him, dragging the dog back so she could shut the door behind John. "Sedge, down."
"These are for you," John announced, brandishing his bouquet proudly. It was lovely, pink roses with red tips and clusters of little white blossoms scattered across it like lace. "I asked the girl at the store what to pick, so if you don't like them, it's not my fault."
He grinned at her, cheeky as ever, and without taking another moment to think about it, she leaned in and kissed him.
It was soft, tender, and so very natural that it felt as easy as breathing, and she had to wonder why on earth they'd never kissed before.
Elizabeth normally wore heels to work; without the added height, John was quite a bit taller than she was. She had to stand on her toes to reach his mouth, and as much as she relished the authority at work, this was new, this odd, intriguing feeling of being small and delicate and feminine.
She finally pulled away, but his hand lingered on her cheek, and he murmured in her ear.
"Do you know how long I've wanted to kiss you?"
Elizabeth stole one more kiss, light and teasing.
"Almost as long as I have."