Page 72 of Secrets (Lost and Found 2)

“Wait until the lights come back on.” Gaines laughed and disengaged himself from the sofa. “Don’t go anywhere.”

Luna let out a slight “nuh-huh.”

Gaines grabbed the flashlight he normally kept in the living room for the many times the power went out.

He went into his bedroom and pulled two pillows against his nose. They were fresh and clean. Then he grabbed the coverlet that sat at the foot of his bed. Another sniff test. “Those cleaning people did a spectacular job,” he muttered to himself. When he got back to the sofa, Luna was stretched out. He couldn’t tell if she had fallen asleep. He moved carefully in her direction and squatted on the floor next to her. He gently lifted her head and put one of the pillows under it. Her eyes fluttered, and she made a soft murmur of contentment.

He whispered, “Do you want to stay here or go to bed?”

Luna reached up and touched his face. “Both.”

* * *

As Chi-Chi made her way back to the table, Cullen shot up from his chair, took her hand, and gently kissed the back of it. “You are not only the most beautiful woman in the room. You are the most talented.”

Chi-Chi fanned her face with her free hand. “I cannot believe I did that.” Cullen pulled out her chair for her to sit.

“Honestly, I can’t either, and it was wonderful. You had been gone so long, I thought you might have left,” Cullen said.

“First of all, I would not do such a thing, especially to you. And second, I had to speak with the group’s leader to see if they could play that song in my key. I am sorry if I caused you any discomfort.”

“It was well worth it.” Cullen couldn’t stop staring at her.

A few minutes later, the maître d’ came to the table with a split of Veuve Clicquot champagne. “Compliments of the house. That was an impressive performance.” This time he wasn’t as affected as when he had seated them.

“You are very kind. Thank you.” Chi-Chi was on the verge of blushing. She was thankful her honey-toned complexion masked any embarrassing color that might have appeared on her face.

“Yes. Impressive.” Cullen lifted his glass and made a toast. “To a most delightful and memorable evening.”

“Thank you. I do not remember the last time I had such an enjoyable night.” Chi-Chi smiled at Cullen. “I supposed we should thank your sister for suggesting this.”

“Don’t worry. She’ll take all the credit.” Cullen laughed.

They took their time with dessert and sipped the champagne. Cullen took care of the check, and they began to leave the restaurant. Everyone they passed said something kind to Chi-Chi about her singing.

“You’re a bit of a celebrity.” Cullen could not have been prouder.

The town car was waiting for them at the valet station. Again, the driver opened the door and ushered Chi-Chi in. Cullen followed.

Chi-Chi intuitively took Cullen’s hand and held it the entire drive to her house. Both had few words to say. The energy and mood between them spoke volumes.

When they arrived at her house, the driver opened her side of the car. Cullen jumped out. “I’ve got it from here.” He walked her to the door.

“I would invite you in, but as you know, my nosy brother is in town, and I do not know when he will be coming back. I could hope not until tomorrow, but Abeo can be unpredictable, as you discovered with his early arrival.”

“I’ll take a rain check.” Cullen didn’t mind. It would give him something to look forward to.

Chi-Chi took both of his hands. “But I would like to invite you to kiss me good night. Or allowmeto kissyougood night.”

“Permission granted.” Cullen pulled her close and accommodated both requests. The fireworks between them was like the Fourth of July. They had been standing in an embrace for several minutes when they were startled by her brother opening the door.

“Ka a ale!” Abeo blurted with his big baritone voice.

“Abeo! Where is your car?”

A chipper voice from inside the house rang out. “Hellooo. . .” It was the familiar greeting from none other than Jennine, the pottery queen.

* * *

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