Sarah's Prayer: A Sunset Single (Sunset Series 1.1) Read Online Free PDF

Sarah searched for something to say. "Well, Michael. I don't feel I've been a very good hostess. I didn't even take time to get to know you or anything. Our group did all the talking and you did all the listening and... well..." Sarah was out of her element now. She didn't know what to say or how to say it. All she knew was that she wanted to be around Michael again, but she didn't want to get her hopes up.
    Michael gazed at Sarah for a moment with the same expression he held for most of lunch, what most would say was almost a smile.
    Ellen, a keen observer of people, enjoyed the display, knowing what Sarah wanted and also knowing that Michael allowed her to linger in her discomfort just long enough to "seal the deal," but not so long as to feel totally embarrassed.
    "Sarah, how 'bout we continue the conversation we started at Joe's the other day over coffee... or green tea as the case may be."
    "Our... conversation?"
    "Yeah, I said, 'Hi' and you said, 'Hello' and that kind of ended abruptly with awkward blushing. I don't think you were having a very good day anyway. I was thinking... maybe... we could meet at Joe's and finish our conversation some time."
    Sarah couldn't believe what was happening to her. Don't think, Sarah, just do. "Sure, that would be great." Don't act too excited.
    Michael pulled a business card from his wallet. "Send me an email... and let me know when's good for you. I can meet pretty much any time." Michael seemed to instinctively know that asking for Sarah's number would be too intrusive.
    "I'll look at my calendar when I get home and let you know, thanks." Sarah extended her hand as she would in any other situation at work, but realized too late this wasn't work and shaking hands wasn't friendly enough for what she really wanted.
    Michael overcame that by taking Sarah's hand in both of his. "It's a pleasure to meet you Sarah. I'm looking forward to Joe's. I might even find out what green tea tastes like." He smiled warmly.
    Ellen lurked behind a few of the others who also tried hard not to be too obvious about their eavesdropping. She spoke up at the most appropriate moment. "Michael, since you're our guest, we're buying lunch."
    "Well, thank you Ellen. That's nice of you."
    "We hope you'll be back."
    "I have a feeling I will." Michael waved to the group and smiled at a stunned and silent Sarah as he walked away.
    Sarah stood in her spot, processing what just took place. A swirl of emotions and thoughts danced through her heart and head. She was elated at the thought of seeing Michael again, panicky at the idea of going on a real date with a guy she really liked and perplexed about something that made her nervous about Michael but she couldn't quite say exactly what... Then, it hit her. Wait. How did he know it was green tea?

    Sarah didn't typically look forward to going back to her quiet apartment right after an enjoyable social gathering. The contrast just emphasized how lonely her life really was. Today, however, she had something to do that would, at least for a time, alleviate some of that loneliness. Not only would she send an email to Michael to hopefully set up a "date" of sorts, but she also planned to Skype with her family, including her brother Gabe at Ft. Bragg.
    She was certain that one of the questions this FBI- Family Bureau of Investigation would ask was about her potential love life. Sarah hated that. They all wanted her to find the right guy, but also wanted to protect her from the wrong one.
    Sarah rushed home to get ready for some family time even if it was over the internet. She checked her emails while she changed out of her Sunday clothes. Sarah didn't like having her desk in the bedroom, but given the arrangement of the small cottage, it was the best way to manage the space. And, besides, she could watch movies from bed on her oversized second monitor. There were perks.
    Sarah strategically put off sending the email to Michael until later in the evening. She didn't want to