Page 43 of Love's Cure

Crystal gazed at her friend’s earnest expression. “You’re right. I’m letting it get out of control in my mind. One step, one day at a time. Thanks for helping me put it in perspective.” She rose, hugged Whitney, and left to check on the people sitting on the outside patio.

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Late morning, Crystalreceived a call from Lucille Young in Emmett’s office requesting a ham and cheese sandwich for Emmett.

Smiling and humming to herself, Crystal prepared the sandwich and fixings for him. Packing it into a bag with the Café’s logo, she told the kitchen crew she’d be gone for a short time.

A few minutes later, she pulled into the parking area of the medical practice building and as instructed, drove around to the back and down the long driveway to Emmett’s house. As she pulled to a stop beside two trucks from Collister Construction, she could see Emmett sitting on the bench on the dock staring out at the river.

She got out of her car and walked to the dock to meet him.

He seemed to sense her arrival and turned as she approached him.

“Hey, there. I’m glad to see you,” he said, rising and kissing her cheek. “Because our time is limited, I figure this is the best way to see each other during the day.”

She held up the bags she’d brought. “This way, I can make sure you have a decent lunch.”

He laughed. “Okay. The best of both worlds.” He accepted a bag from her and sat down to open it. “I’ve got about twenty minutes.”

“Speaking of two worlds, I need to ask you one more time. Are we being foolish to begin dating seriously?” She hesitated, let out a long breath, and blurted, “What if we want more than friendship?”

He set down his sandwich and studied her. “Are you prepared for that? I’ve been hurt in the past and don’t intend to rush into anything.”

“That’s just it. I don’t want either of us to get hurt,” she said.

“Well, then, let’s go slowly, be honest with one another, and give each other a chance to see how we’re both feeling. That’s how I like to behave anyway.”

Crystal studied Emmett. She admired him.

She sat down beside him, handed him a lemonade, and took one for herself. A cardinal trilled and she saw a flash of red as it flew among the trees lining the river. “The birdlife here is spectacular.”

“Yes, as soon as the workmen leave, I’m going to put out some birdfeeders,” Emmett commented. “Would you like to go to dinner at Stan’s tonight? A patient was telling me about the delicious seafood there, and I’d like to try it out.”

“Stan’s is great. They have a fried lobster special among other things.”

“Okay, then. How about I pick you up at seven? If Misty would like to join us, she can also be my guest.”

“Thanks. I’ll mention it to her,” said Crystal, but she was disappointed he didn’t want to spend time alone.

He took hold of her hand. “Slowly. Remember?” His gaze never left her face as he seemed to take in all of her. Then, just when she thought he might kiss her, he cleared his throat and stood. “Guess I’d better get back to work.”

“Me, too,” she said, rising to stand beside him.

He studied her and this time, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her in a lingering fashion.

Crystal let out a little moan as desire rose within her.

“M-m-m. Guess we both needed that,” he murmured.

She laughed with him and then sat down as he trotted toward the office. Still filled with conflicting emotions, she stared out at the water. There was no point in telling herself that common sense would prevail. She couldn’t pretend she wasn’t falling for Emmett. And though she knew it wouldn’t be easy with his family, she wasn’t ready to step away from those growing feelings.

“Hey, there!”

Crystal turned and saw Dani approaching.

Dani sat beside her. “I was working over a problem with the large window in the master bedroom and couldn’t help seeing you and Emmett. I don’t mean to pry, but I’m hoping the two of you aren’t going to let his mother or anyone else interfere. You’re great together.”

“Thanks. I was just thinking about the risks involved in that relationship, and I decided to follow my heart.”

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