I FELL IN LOVE ON THE JOB

SARAH'S DECISION.

" What do you say? " Tyler asked Sarah over the phone, his hands clenched as he eagerly waited for her response.

Sarah took a deep breath trying to steady her shaky voice, " But why do you want me? "

" Are you seriously asking me that? after I tasted your food I knew right away that you belong with me. "

" What? " Sarah wasn't expecting to hear that.

Tyler knew right away he'd made a mistake, " Not with me! of course not, I mean... besides me, arou... around me. " He stuttered, " s**t! I want you to work for me. "

" Oh... " Sarah cleared her throat, " I... I can't, I don't think I can. "

" Is it because of Leah? "

Sarah paused, how could she tell him that it was more than what happened to Leah, it was her. " Yes. "

" Your cooking intrigued me, you don't deserve to be cooped up in that small town. "

" I'm sorry, but I refuse. "

Tyler took a deep breathe, he knew he had to bring in the big guns, he didn't plan to, of course, he was aware of the risks involved but he desperately needed her. " What if I help you find out who killed Leah? "

Sarah's immediately sat up, her hand holding her cell phone even tighter, " What do you mean? "

" I know you're afraid, you want closure, I'll help you. "

Was this Leah's last attempt to get to her even from the grave? Sarah had tried to avoid the signs, maybe this was Leah's way of wanting to still offer her a second chance. " After we find out what happened to her... I can quit? "

" Okay, if that's what you want, but I guarantee you'll change your mind. "

" I won't. "

*******

Sarah fell back to her bed, her arms and legs spreading out. Her heart was racing fast as she thought of her decision to leave. That would mean that she was running right back to what she thought she'd escaped from, was she doing the right thing? She should be stronger by now, she had managed to survive what most people wouldn't, what more difficulties does life has to throw at her?

This wasn't the time to be feeling discouraged about anything, Leah needed her. She had been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to find out the truth and she was going to take it. Leah didn't have any family, she was an orphan. She wouldn't let her fear of falling in love hinder her any longer. All she had to do was make sure she gets the closure she deserves and leave as soon as possible. Staying there any longer might result in her getting attached and losing control of her emotions.

Tyler had offered to give her a ride from Leah's home and into the city, she shouldn't have accepted but she did. Seeing him for the second time didn't make her heart calmer, he still made her heart race fast. So much for thinking she could control her feelings, she only just met him and she was already having long thoughts about him. Sarah had managed to keep her crush to herself, her facial expressions showed no evidence of what was going on in her mind. It was better that way, her mind may go astray but on no account would she let it affect her actions.

" You don't have to get me to her house, I'll find my way. " Sarah replied as Tyler drove.

" You sure? " Tyler asked.

Sarah nodded avoiding his gaze with a stern look on her face.

" Are you feeling uncomfortable with me? " He asked drawing closer to her.

Sarah's heart skipped a beat as she instantly pulled away from him. " No! "

Tyler pulled backward, " I can tell that you are, and it's okay. "

" Thank you for the ride. " Sarah replied still looking away from him.

" You're welcome, call me when you get home, will you? "

Sarah nodded opening the door, " I will. "

" We'll discuss the details of the job later.

Sarah nodded walking away from him.

Tyler was pleased with himself, he had managed to convince Sarah to work with him, he didn't need any further proof to know how capable she was. He knew the restaurant took a huge fall when Leah passed, Sarah was a perfect replacement, and she was pretty too, that was a plus-two.

Throwing an investigation to find Leah's killer was not planned but he didn't mind, it was worth it. Sarah was a pile of information on her own and would aid him on his quest. Now what he needed to do was to take Jacksonville's head from his bratty twin sister Olivia. It wouldn't be an easy task since he didn't know what she had to do to secure that position. But like always he was one step ahead of her.