Ordinary Girl, Millionaire Tycoon. Darlene Gardner

      “I did,” he confirmed in that same maddeningly calm voice.

      She ignored the butterflies that fluttered unhappily in her gut. “Then why haven’t you called me?”

      His Adam’s apple bobbed. “I’ve been busy.”

      The universal cop-out line of men everywhere. All the breath left her lungs. She’d been so sure an explanation existed for his sudden chill and now one occurred to her. He didn’t want to date her again.

      “I’ve been busy, too.” The corners of her mouth felt weighted by lead, but she forced herself to smile.

      A customer—somebody else she didn’t recognize; thank goodness—got into line behind her. Art glanced over her shoulder, then met her eyes, but barely.

      “How about those steaks?” Art said. “Can I pick you out two nice top sirloins?”

      Sofia willed her lips not to tremble. “You know what, I’ve changed my mind. I think I’ll make Tony a nice lasagna instead.”

      His eyebrows drew together, and his expression appeared pained. She waited, hoping he’d say something to stop her from leaving.

      “I’ll see you around then, Sofia,” he said.

      She nodded, turned and walked blindly down a mercifully empty aisle for the exit. If there’d been a bed in sight, she’d have thrown herself down on it and cried.

      “Mrs. Donatelli.” A petite woman with salt-and-pepper hair appeared from an adjacent aisle, flagging her down before she reached the exit. Sofia recognized her as a teacher at the local high school. “I’m Mary Winters. I taught English to Tony years ago.”

      Not trusting her voice not to wobble, Sofia said nothing.

      “I’m heading up a charity drive to fight illiteracy, and I was wondering if you could—”

      “I’m sorry, but I can’t do this right now,” Sofia said and banged through the door to the street.

      Everybody wanted something from her, it seemed, except the one man to whom she’d gladly give her heart.