Page 50 of The Bachelor's Dilemma

But it was time to move on. Maybe to another chapter that could be just as happy.

When she had all the photographs in her arms, she went to the bedroom and placed them in the bottom drawer of the dresser that had been Tom’s. She’d let the one stay in Zack’s room. And the one by her bed. A child should remember his father. And she wanted to see his dear face a few more mornings when she first woke.

Feeling nostalgic and melancholy, she went to bed. Stretching out her hand, she felt the empty space beside her. Never to be filled, she’d once thought.

Now she wondered if Myles would like to pursue their relationship all the way to making love. Closing her eyes, she could almost imagine his muscular body pulling her close, his deep voice speaking to her in the night. The joy they’d share making love and sleeping together. Waking up together.

Where once she never expected to share a bed with another, now she wondered if she could imagine not eventually sharing with Myles.

Rolling on her side, she remembered his kisses, his hands caressing her. If things kept on the way they were going, would they fall for each other? Or was she just someone to fill the time with while he was on leave?

She hoped not. Myles Riker was a very special man. She closed her eyes. No one could predict the future. But she might just open herself up to whatever came—embracing every new experience.

Wednesday, Myles showed up just as Anna thought he wasn’t coming. She had to leave immediately. He’d timed it that way, she suspected. But there wasn’t enough time to challenge him on the issue. At least he’d arrived and she could get to work.

“I’ll be home in time to cook a quick dinner so we can leave for the school,” she said as she was walking out the door. She looked back. “You are still going?”

“I said I would,” he replied, his attention already on Zack.

The day seemed interminable to Anna. She couldn’t concentrate on her translations for wondering what Myles and Zack were doing. She hoped He didn’t regret offering his help. Edith had told her last night when she went to check on her that she felt up to watching Zack for the evening. It’d only be for an hour or two and he’d be going to bed at eight.

Torn between wanting to see Myles again and dreading the confrontation for the churning emotions that filled her, Anna wasn’t sure how she felt as she caught the subway for home. Walking in the door just before six, she could smell something delicious cooking.

“I’m home,” she called out.

Zack came running from the kitchen.

“Myles made dinner,” he said, his face full of wonder. “He can cook.”

Myles appeared in the doorway, looking as unlike a cook as anyone she’d ever seen. His broad shoulders almost filled the doorway. His attire was suited to a work site—jeans and a flannel shirt, unbuttoned at the throat with the sleeves rolled up. He looked rugged and handsome.

She caught her breath and then smiled.

“What a treat,” she said.

“Just burgers and fries,” he said.

She didn’t correct him. If he thought she meant the food, that was fine by her.

“I’ll change and be right out.”

“Be ready in about ten. I thought I timed it about right,” he said with satisfaction.

His gaze moved over her and his eyes seemed to light up.

Feeling flustered, Anna spun around and almost ran to her bedroom. She changed quickly, seeking Tom’s photograph.

“It’s a habit. I hope you won’t mind if I break it. If I can,” she murmured.

Feeling like a soldier going off to war with no armor, she bravely went to have dinner with the most exciting man she’d known.

When they walked over to the school, he took her hand.

“I see you put away Tom’s pictures.”

“Yes.”

She couldn’t say any more. She felt as if she ripped off a Band-Aid. But it was healthy. She’d never forget him.

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