Page 46 of Your Carriage Awaits in Crumbleton
‘But?’ she prompted softly.
‘But… I’ve been waiting for you for years,’ he said. ‘And I’m tired of waiting.’
For a moment, neither of them moved. Then, letting go of his hand, Michelle reached up and cupped his face, her thumbs brushing over his cheekbones.
‘Then don’t wait,’ she whispered.
Danny didn’t need to be told twice. He lowered his head and kissed her, softly at first, almost hesitantly, giving her time to change her mind. But Michelle kissed him back, her hands sliding into his hair.
He backed her gently against the Buick’s smooth curves, deepening the kiss, pouring every moment of longing he’d everfelt for her into the connection. Michelle let out a soft moan that went straight to his head, as her body melted against his.
When they finally broke apart, both of them were breathing hard. Danny rested his forehead against Michelle’s.
Above them, the first stars were beginning to appear in the darkening sky. The Buick’s chrome reflected the light from the cottage windows, and somewhere far in the distance, a bell chimed the hour.
‘I should head home,’ said Michelle, sounding reluctant. ‘My parents will be wondering where I am.’
Danny nodded, then pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.
Michelle giggled.
‘What?’
‘I just realised I sound like a naughty teenager!’ she laughed. ‘Hey, will you do me a favour?’
‘After today? Anything.’
‘When you’re out and about tomorrow morning, any chance you could pop Mum’s bike down to the carpark?’ said Michelle. ‘And?—’
Danny leaned in and kissed her again. She looked so adorably apologetic that it had been impossible to resist.
‘Of course, I can,’ he said, pulling away before the urge to scoop her up in his arms and carry her to his place got even stronger. ‘And?
Michelle blinked. The kiss had clearly thrown her off track. ‘And? Oh… right. One of the boxes in my car is marked Uni Notes. It’s got all my figures for the diner in it… I could do with going through it all before tomorrow afternoon.’
‘I can get it for you now, if you want?’ said Danny. ‘It won’t take me a second…’
Michelle shook her head. ‘It can wait until tomorrow. Go back in and check on your dad. I’m not sure he’s quite used to navigating that cast of his yet.’
Danny nodded. ‘I’ll bring it across to the town car park in the morning with the bike. I’ll leave it in the Buick for you?’
‘Perfect.’ Michelle smiled at him, a soft, wonderful smile that made his heart pound. ‘You’re my hero.’
‘Right back at you,’ he said, his voice strangely tight. ‘Now, you’d better leave before I start begging you to stay.’
‘See you tomorrow.’ Michelle opened the door, slid behind the wheel and started the engine before winding down the window. ‘Goodnight, Danny.’
‘Goodnight, Michelle.’
Danny stepped back and watched her reverse carefully out of the little parking area. Then she turned and waved before driving slowly away.
For a long moment, Danny stood in the gathering darkness, touching his lips and grinning like an idiot as he watched the Buick’s taillights disappear around the corner.
Elvis appeared beside him, tail wagging.
‘What do you reckon, boy?’ said Danny, bending to scratch behind the dog’s ears. ‘Think she likes me?’
Elvis woofed softly.
