Page 24 of Sensing Selma
“About keeping you around?”
“Oh,” I let out, amused by his ability to read me so well.
“I don’t think it’s much of a secret, but...” He stopped walking and turned to face me. He took my hands in his and brought them up to press against his chest. “Surely, you realize how I enjoy spending time with you.”
I nodded, my heart in a flutter.
“These past days...There was really no need for me to come here. I could do much of the work from my office. But I wanted to be here. I wanted to see you, and every day I hoped to find that you were eager to see me as well.”
“Indeed, I was. The situation is awkward at best, but...yes. I very much enjoy seeing you.”
He pulled in a long, heavy breath, smiled gently and leaned down. His eyes closed, as did mine and then...his lips, ever so tender, ever so tentative, lightly brushed over mine.
I pulled back and licked my lips as I looked up at him. Surely my cheeks were scarlet.
“I...I think I should go and tell Mother the good news.” What I really wanted was more of his kiss, but I was so flustered. So unexpectedly shaken by his proximity.
He smiled and took a step back. “Do you think she’ll accept?”
“I’m sure she’d rather stay here under these conditions, than have to leave. If anything, I think she might find pride in having visitors admire her home.”
He nodded. “Good. I’ll leave you to it, then. I’ll go find my brother to see what needs to be done now that our plans have changed.”
We headed back to the house and parted ways. Eager to share the news, I went to my mother’s room to find it empty. I returned to the hall then heard her laughing from upstairs.
I hurried up and was happy to find Holly with her. Mother sat in her wheelchair while Holly delicately brushed her hair. Judging by their giggles, they were in the midst of an amusing conversation.
“I thought you were off for a drive with Charlie,” I said.
Holly glanced up at me and shrugged as she continued to brush Mother’s hair. “He cancelled. Said something about engine trouble.” She pouted. “I think he decided to go spend the day with Brenda instead. The shrew has been trying for days to get closer to him.”
“Holly!”Mother scolded.
“Sorry, Mother.”
“How did you get her upstairs? I thought the elevator was broken.”
Holly shrugged. “Well, it worked this time.”
I wanted to argue the delicate nature of the elevator and the possibility that we’ll have trouble getting Mother back downstairs, but I moved on.
“Well, I have good news to share,” I said.
“Does this have to do with asking me to go along with something?”
“Yes.”
“And does it involve not having to leave?”Holly said.
“Possibly.”
“Seriously?” She set down the hairbrush and left my mother to come to me. “Susan. Don’t toy with me. You know I’d do anything to be able to stay here a little longer.”
“How about play guide to the hordes of tourists who would come to visit our impressive estate?”
“Huh?”
“Tourists?”Mother said as she struggled to wheel herself closer. “Susan dear, what in the world are you talking about.”
