Page 20 of A Beginner's Guide to Forever
“Yes. Because you didn’t want to owe me. Everyone else in my life takes and takes. But not you.”
He dips his chin, his eyes sink closed, and then his mouth meets mine.
The intensity of the kiss sends a sharp jab of desire through me. It’s unexpectedly hot and also tender.
His hand cups my jaw, his thumb strokes my neck, and he tilts my head. My lips part, and his tongue slides against mine.
Dear God, he can kiss.I place my hands on his firm chest and push. He takes a step back immediately, confusion in his eyes.
“Too much?” he asks.
“Too much,” I say, breathless.
He moves to give me a little space and straightens his jacket. “What are you doing tomorrow?”
“I’m not sure,” I admit. The only thing on my agenda was sleeping in, and then maybe doing some shopping at Harrods. I wanted to find a gift for Scarlet’s baby.
“I have to be at the exhibit opening at 3:00, and then I have a press interview to do, but after, would you like a private tour of the collection?”
I hesitate, my brain whirring with ideas about what his invite means. On the one hand, it would be a rare treat to enjoy the exhibit without anyone else around. And for him to show me a part of his world the way I showed him mine in Kibera is intriguing.
But on the other, I’m not sure it’s wise to keep spending time with him. But there’s something about him, about the way he looks at me, that makes it difficult to say no.
“That sounds incredible, actually,” I confirm.
“It’s a date.”
He touches my bare shoulder, the little bow that’s tied to secure my dress.
“Buona serata, Alessia.”
Good night, Alessia.
Chapter Six
Find Joy in the Little Things
“We need to get a meeting scheduled with the village council. And make sure you invite Reverend Bernard.”
“Oh, good idea,” Joslyn says.
I’ve taken myself out to an early breakfast, since despite my best intentions, I hadn’t been able to sleep in after all. London is two hours behind Kenya, and my body clock hasn’t adjusted. Not that it will—I’ll be leaving tomorrow.
There’s a lot of politics involved in what I do. More so than I ever imagined. So, over my traditional English breakfast of poached eggs, grilled tomatoes, and buttered toast, I called Joslyn to strategize about how to spend our new massive donation. We already had a plan in place, but now that the money will be in our account in a matter of days, it’s all the more real. I feel the familiar buzz of excitement and the adrenaline of changes to come for a place I love dearly.
I can imagine the school building when it’s finally complete, walking through the doors the first time, seeing students sitting at the desks. The idea of it makes me emotional. But if the school doesn’t have the necessary buy-in from locals, it won’t succeed. No matter how much money we throw at it.
“And David should run point,” I add, thinking out loud.
I’m still distracted from last night. Not that I can let Joslyn know the reason why.
“Perfect. I’ll get it all arranged,” she says, sounding chipper. “When will you be back in Nairobi?”
I release a slow sigh and set my teacup to rest on the saucer. “That is a very good question. I’m thinking most likely about six weeks. That should give us enough time to grease the wheels on the village-infrastructure proposal to support the school. Plus, I promised my best friend I would go home for her baby shower.”
While I’m there I’ll do all my usual maintenance—teeth cleaning, haircut, Botox appointment—that would last me a while. It will be nice to recharge at home for a little while. See my parents. Maybe I’ll learn pickleball. I think of Murphy and the idea that I’ll likely have to say goodbye. My stomach twists.
“Okey dokey,” Joslyn says. “If I can arrange any travel for you, just let me know.”
