Page 44 of Risk It All
So, I settle for this little window of time. Putting everything I feel for her in all that I do, from laughing at her jokes, to discussing world issues, to loving her with my kiss. I savor each moment, imprinting the images and emotions on my brain so that I'll be able to recall them in the future. I have to fit forever into a couple of days.
Madeleine
I've beenon many dates. I've spent days and nights with other men. But today with Max is amazing and beyond any time I've ever spent with a man before. It's not his gorgeous good looks or sizzling kisses that make this day different. It's not even that he's smart, kind, and generous. It's how easy being with him is. I don't feel the need to guard my opinions or hold back my enthusiasm for my work. It seems like it's the same with him. That he's completely one-hundred percent open to me. We laugh and talk and walk as if we've known each other forever. And I don't want it to end.
Although we haven't openly spoken about what we're doing, my understanding is that we've given ourselves these few days to be together. But I wonder, for the first time in a long time, if Max is the man that I can try to make something lasting with. He understands and respects the life I lead, so he won't ask me to give up my work. Right?
“We could get a fancy room at the Ritz if you'd rather.” He holds my hand as we wander aimlessly along a London street.
“I like our hotel.”
He grins. “Me too.”
I wonder if he likes it for the same reason; because that where some amazing love making took place.
After lunch, we spent the whole day walking and talking, had dinner, and walked some more. My energy is beginning to wane, but I don't want this day to end.
“You look tired. How about we go back to the hotel for some dessert?” He's already waving down a taxi as he speaks.
“Dessert. Is that what they're calling it now?” I wonder if he remembers how I offended him when I thought he was referring to a late-night booty call as a snack.
His expression turns serious. “I was thinking pie. What are you thinking?”
I snort. “I like pie.”
He laughs as he opens the door to the taxi that pulls up.
Back at the hotel, I use the restroom as he orders pie (turns out he was serious) and champagne. I want to be comfortable, but since I didn't pack a lot of clothes or pjs, I opt to put on the robe again.
When I come out of the bathroom, I see he's moved the couch so that we can look out the window. It's not the best view, but the moon is shining casting an ethereal blueish glow through the dark room. Perhaps he meant a different dessert after all.
When the pie and champagne arrive, he serves me and we sit together on the couch.
“What a difference a day makes, huh?” I ask.
“Yes. But I wouldn't have changed anything about our trip, Madeleine.” He pushes a strand of my hair behind my ear. “I don't like being hunted by poachers, but to be honest, I wouldn't change any of the time I've spent with you.”
It sort of sounds like he's getting ready to say goodbye. “Me neither.” I take a bite of my cherry pie, hoping we have at least one more day together. And maybe another.
“You're amazing, you know that.”
My breath hitches at the emotion behind his words.
“You make a difference in the world and you've inspired me to do more.”
“You've already done a lot,” I say.
He shrugs, putting his champagne down and picking up his pie. “Showing up to charity events and writing checks doesn't compare.”
“Yes, it does. People listen to you so when you show up, they take notice. And change always requires money.”
He gives me a wan smile. “You're being kind.”
“I'm not wrong.”
He sets his pie aside and uses both hands to cup my face. “You've bewitched me.”
I don't have time to respond because his lips are on mine, soft, unlike the urgency we had before. He's thorough, his tongue sweeping deliciously through my mouth leaving me breathless.
