Page 80 of The Best of Friends
“You would likely have very little of either.” But there was hope, even though there were also a great many complications to navigate.
“Some fellowships cover more than fees and living expenses,” he said. “But those that provide additional income are generally life fellowships.”
She could feel the blood drain from her face. A lifetime fellowship? That meant he couldn’t ever marry, that he would be tied to Cambridge and the rules of his living for the entirety of his life. “I would never see you again.”
He released one of her hands and brushed his fingers gently along her cheek. “This one is not a life fellowship, Daria. If it were, I would never consider it.”
She closed her eyes, letting relief settle over her for a moment. Years apart would be difficult; a lifetime of separation would be unbearable.
“And having been reminded of the restrictions of being a fellow,” he said, “I can’t accept even a temporary fellowship.”
She looked at him once more. “This is a chance to claim your dreams, Toss. You cannot dismiss that.” She brushed a finger over a button on his jacket. “Being apart while you finish your studies will be so very difficult, but it would be worth doing. I think it’simportantto do.”
His hand moved slowly from her face to her neck to her back. “Would you miss me, Daria?”
“I missed you during the few minutes I spent in this room before you arrived.”
He slipped his other hand free of hers and wrapped his arm around her. “And I missed you from the moment I left you in the entryway last night.”
Daria pressed her palm to his chest. “I stayed there for a while after you left, wishing you were still with me, imagining what it would be like when I saw you again.”
“And in your imaginings, did I get to hold you like this?” His question was somehow both soft and husky.
“If I had my way, you’d always hold me like this.” She slipped her hand to his face. “Cambridge fellows are allowed embraces, aren’t they?”
“I’ve not heard of any rules against it.” Toss leaned his forehead against hers. “And what have you heard about penniless musicians? Are they allowed kisses?”
Her pulse picked up its pace. “That depends on who the musician wants to kiss.”
“He very much wants to kissyou, Daria Mullins.”
She closed her eyes once more and whispered, “I wish he would.”
Perhaps it was cowardice in her that she kept her eyes closed as she waited, achingly unsure but eagerly hopeful, but Daria had, over the course of that day, called upon every bit of stored bravery she’d had.
“Daria.” His lips actually brushed hers as he whispered her name. “I love you, my darling Daria.”
Those words, spoken with tender conviction, sparked warmth in her heart and spread through her in an instant.
She hooked her arms around his neck. “And I love you, my dear Toss.”
He kissed her, slowly, delicately. His lips were soft, tenderly touching hers, but his arms were firm around her, holding her like he never wanted to let go. The feel of him so close to her tingled over every inch of her skin. Shenever wanted himto let go, and even after he ended the kiss, he kept her in his arms.
“We’ll find a way to make this work,” he said. “I know we will.”
From far in the distance, a knock echoed. Someone was likely at the front door.
“For a moment, I almost forgot we aren’t alone in this house.” Toss pressed a fleeting kiss to her forehead before stepping back once more.
Daria smiled at the lingering shimmer of pleasure in his expression. Her own blush of delight must have been equally apparent.
His arms dropped away from the embrace, but he took hold of her hands. “As this is neither of our homes, we don’t have to be present to greet whoever has arrived. I believe we can take advantage of the distraction and avoid returning to our friends for a moment longer.”
“I like that strategy.”
Toss laughed. “With any luck, these visitors will beverydistracting.”
“I would suggest you work on your composition, but that might draw our friends in here, and then we’d never be rid of them.”
