CHAPTER 4

Lee tried to focus on the policies and procedures discussed at the meeting, but his thoughts constantly drifted to Amanda. He couldn't stop thinking about her soft laughter when she told him about the secret sauce. He shifted in his seat, impatiently waiting for the eternal meeting to end.

As soon as the staff meeting finished, Lee sprang out of his chair and headed straight to Amanda. She sat waiting for him, her purse already in her hand. The desk was clear, all the papers neatly organized and put away.

Amanda tried to stand up, and Lee quickly leaned forward and wrapped his arm around her waist. He pulled her against him, and she felt Lee's body firmly against her own. A bit surprised, she looked at Lee, only to find him focused on gently supporting her weight in his arm.

It was no problem at all for Amanda to walk with Lee by her side. Lee held most of her weight, and she did not have to put any pressure on her ankle at all. She smiled, thinking that he might as well have been carrying her.

As soon as Lee and Amanda entered the deli, they found themselves face to face with Conrad Walter Barnhill.

"Connie!" Amanda exclaimed, her arms embracing Conrad in a big hug. "I haven't seen you in ages!"

Lee never loosened his grip around Amanda's waist. He continued to hold her with one arm, and he held out his other hand to Conrad.

"Hi Conrad," Lee said, shaking his hand. "I never thought I'd be seeing you... ever."

Amanda gave Lee a sharp look, and Lee added "so soon."

"Amanda! Lee!" Conrad exclaimed. "You're both here! Gosh, I'm so glad to see you guys. You don't know how glad." His eyes focused on Amanda. "Thank you, Amanda, so much for coming."

"Of course we're here, Connie. You said it was important, and if you need something that's important, well Lee and I will be here to help." Amanda placed her hand on Conrad's arm. "You honestly scared me on the phone. You sounded pretty scared."

Lee frowned as his eyes followed Amanda's hand. It had no business resting on Conrad's arm. Lee stood up a bit straighter and tightened his grip around Amanda's waist.

"Well, Conrad," Lee said, looking at the man in front of him. "What's the suspense? What's so important?"

Conrad nodded and let out a slow breath. He felt tremendously relieved to have Amanda and Lee in front of him. "I feel so much better now that you're both here. I can't tell you how much better." He paused and softly added, "Thanks again for coming, Amanda."

"Of course, Connie," Amanda replied. "You're my friend. I'll always be here for you if you need me."

Lee had an incredible urge to rip Amanda's hand off Conrad's arm. He grabbed the fabric of his pants in a valiant effort to keep his hand at his side.

Lee cleared his throat and looked at Amanda. "Why don't we get seated so that Conrad can tell us whatever he wants to say."

Just then, the waitress walked up holding some lunch menus. As she showed them to their table, Lee continued to hold Amanda tenderly against him.

"Lee, thanks so much for helping me walk," Amanda said as she met Lee's eyes. The feel of Lee's arm around her body warmed her heart. "If it's okay with the both of you, I'll be back in just a minute. I'd like to freshen up in the powder room before we start."

For the first time, Conrad noticed that Amanda was limping on an injured foot. He opened his mouth to ask what happened, but Lee responded before he could get any words out.

"No problem," Lee softly told her. He drew his eyebrows together, his voice filled with concern. "Do you want me to help you there?"

Amanda turned a slight shade of pink. "No, Lee," she softly answered, shaking her head. "It's just around the corner. I'll be fine." Pulling away from Lee, she told him, "Look, I can stand. No problem." She bounced softly on her left ankle, trying to convince Lee that she was just fine. Truth be told, after leaning against Lee for the past several minutes, her whole body felt pretty good.

Conrad was still trying to ask Amanda what happened to her foot when Lee said, "Remember what I said, Amanda. If you can't walk on your ankle." Lee gave her a tender smile.

Amanda smiled back, nodding her head gently. You'll carry me. Giving one more look to the two men watching her, she turned towards the lady's room and gingerly limped her way around the corner.

Lee watched her vigilantly, ready to spring to her side if she showed any signs of falling. After she turned the corner, he shook his head, trying to focus his thoughts. He couldn't understand why his arms felt so empty. Pursing his lips together, he tapped his fork on the table, waiting for her to return.

Amanda had a grin on her face when she came to the restroom. Her body felt so warm after being in Lee's arms. She pulled open the door and walked inside. She instantly stopped, her eyes filled with concern. There, in the corner of the bathroom, a person lay huddled against the floor.

Amanda let out a quick breath and ran to the shaking form. A coat covered the person, and Amanda lay her hand tenderly on the thick fabric.

"Oh my gosh!" Amanda exclaimed, kneeling down beside the person. "You're okay. Everything will be okay." She couldn't see who was beneath the coat, so she reached out and gently pulled the coat down. "You'll be all right. I'm going to get help and..."

As soon as she pulled the coat down, a hand shot out and grabbed Amanda by the throat. She gasped, unable to scream, as the large hand squeezed tightly around her neck.

TBC