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Cynthia smiled. “All right, I’m willing to give it a try.”
As Sean drove down the mountain he asked, “Are you still up for a movie? I don’t want to force you if you’d really rather not watch one.”
“I’m still willing if I’m still invited.”
As far as he was concerned she would always be invited.
* * *
All the way to Sean’s house Cynthia contemplated the wisdom of agreeing to go there. It was a step in their relationship she hadn’t expected. Would it just be a movie or was he hoping for more? Was she willing to give it? Having spent the last few years being cautious about men, was she prepared to open herself up to a man she’d only known for a few weeks?
What was she getting worked up over? Sean had invited her to watch a movie. He was a gentleman and wouldn’t ask more than she was willing to give. That didn’t make her any less nervous or ease her questions. She was crazy about him. Tonight had only intensified her fascination.
But was he interested in a real relationship? From his receptionist’s reaction, he certainly was a ladies’ man. But who wouldn’t be interested in Sean? He was good with people, had a good sense of humor, intelligence, thought out of the box. Tonight’s date proved that. Supportive. And most of all he seemed to enjoy her company. She was betting that the more she got to know him, the more she’d like him. The only thing she could find complaint with was his view of family. She couldn’t understand his and he seemed to have no concept of hers. That might be an issue if they were thinking about getting married, but their relationship was nowhere near that level of involved.
Soon Sean was pulling into the driveway of a small bungalow-style house in the Mountain Brook Village area. Many of the homes appeared to have been updated, including Sean’s.
“Did you do the work yourself?” she asked as she examined the woodwork detail around the door, the porch railing and light fixture. None of it looked like the typical contractor material.
“I did. I was better taking care of my fingers around the saws than I was with your knife.”
This was a side of him she hadn’t expected. “It looks wonderful. So you ride a bike and are good with your hands. You have an old-world talent, Doctor.”
“Then I must get one more fun point.”
She grinned at him. “That you do.”
Now knowing his background, the choice of home, the area, and the fact he’d put more time than money into the place didn’t surprise her. There wasn’t a light shining on the porch. For Sean that would be a waste of money. However, when they stepped out of the car a motion light blinked on. He met her at the front of the car with the picnic basket in hand, then escorted her up a couple of cement steps to the front door. Unlocking the door, he stepped inside and flipped on a lamp.
His living area was much as Cynthia expected. Furnishings were sparse but of good quality, ones that would last. The most extravagant thing in the room was the enormous TV on the wall. She stood looking at it. “Wow.”
“It was the largest I could get at the time,” he said bashfully.
“Well, you certainly fit the cliché where a man and his TV are concerned.” She chuckled.
“I guess I do.” Sean laughed. “I have to admit that when I’m home I enjoy having it. Especially in the fall for the sports. Why don’t you have a seat?” He indicated a plush-looking tan leather sofa against the opposite wall from the TV.
There was also a large matching armchair with a footstool sitting at an angle to the sofa. In front of the sofa was a coffee table with a couple of books and a few sport magazines on it in no order. There were also several books stacked in one corner. On the wall between the two front windows hung a picture of a rushing river surrounded by trees. Other than that, the room was sterile. A decorator would call it extreme minimalist. It reminded her of his office. Sean didn’t waste his time or money on anything frivolous.
Yet he’d gone out of his way with dinner. So what did he consider her?
The room was definitely an extension of the man. It seemed he was so caught up in the past he couldn’t let go beyond owning a large TV. How much of the extras in life was he giving up so he never felt insecure again? She bet if she accused him of being insecure he would deny it.
He’d placed his phone and keys on the coffee table along with the picnic basket. “I’ll put the movie in, then get our food. We’re going to watch McLintock!” He searched through the shelf below the TV and selected a DVD. While he put it into the machine he said, “I’ll get us something to drink and the pie. What would you like? I have water, wine, soda, maybe milk.” He grinned.
Taking a seat on the couch, she decided, “I’ll have a soda.” She was afraid to have any more alcohol, already feeling a buzz just being around Sean. With her physical reaction to him and being in his private space she couldn’t afford to not be thinking straight.
As the picture came into view, he picked up the basket and left through an arched doorway. Sean returned a few minutes later with drinks in hand, then again with their pie. He took a seat in the chair; he put his feet on the stool and crossed his ankles. If she was concerned about him making an advance she shouldn’t have been. Apparently, it was the last thing on his mind. Cynthia wasn’t sure she liked that idea.
“Why don’t you sit back and make yourself comfortable?” He took a bite of pie. “This pie is really good. You need to try yours.”
Cynthia shifted until she was in the corner of the sofa. After kicking off her shoes and tucking her feet up, she ate to settle her nerves. She relaxed as she became interested in the movie. Soon her body settled, and she almost forgot Sean sitting just a few feet away.
They had been there for about fifteen minutes when he placed his plate on the table and said, “Scoot over.”
She set her plate beside his and moved toward the middle of the sofa, giving him the corner space.
Sean took it. “I was lonely over there by myself.”
Cynthia tried to concentrate on the movie but was so conscious of him she registered none of the words.
“Cynthia,” Sean whispered.
“Mmm?” She looked at him.
“I’m still a little lonely. Why don’t you come a little closer?”
A fuzzy feeling washed over her. She moved up next to him. Sean slipped his arm around her shoulders and nudged her closer.
“Now this is much better.” Sean tucked her in tight.
Much. There was something nice about being next to Sean that had nothing to do with him physically. She certainly liked his body but when she was close she felt supported, as if she wasn’t facing the world alone, there was someone to share the worry. He was there. Solid. Those were feelings she shouldn’t be having. He’d made no promises. It was too soon to start depending on him. She’d been let down before and she had no intention of letting that happen again. People in her life were gone too easily.
A few minutes later he whispered in her ear, “Relax, I’m not going to bite.”
Cynthia snuggled up against him and rested her head in the curve of his shoulder. Here she could stay forever.
They were well into the movie when his phone rang. He paused the movie and answered. Cynthia immediately missed the warmth and comfort of him.
She couldn’t help but overhear his conversation as she relished the rumble of his beautiful voice. He was soon asking questions at a swift pace. Sean had morphed into doctor mode. Apparently there had been some sort of accident. Seconds later he ended the conversation.
“I went on call at nine. I’m rarely called in during the night but tonight’s one of those times. There’s been an automobile accident. I’m needed at the hospital for a consult. I don’t think I’ll be long.
I’m sorry but I don’t have time to take you home. If you don’t mind watching the rest of the movie I should be right back.” Even though he was speaking to her she could tell that his mind was on the patient waiting.
She stood. “Don’t worry about me. I know better than most that you have patients.”
His hands came to her shoulders. They were warm and strong. “I know you can take care of yourself but that doesn’t mean I can’t worry about you. I’m sorry about running out on you. I’m not leaving without one of these.”
His hands drew her to him and his lips found hers. Her arms went around his waist, pulling him tight. As his tongue requested entrance she welcomed him with a moan. Gripping her behind with both his hands, Sean brought her against him. Too quickly he released her with a groan. Cynthia teetered backwards but he held her secure. He stepped away; desire still simmered in his eyes, so intense it made her shudder.
“Now I hate to go more than ever but I’ll be back soon.” Sean picked up his keys and phone, and went out of the door.
Instantly his house felt huge. Cynthia had lost interest in the movie but started it again only because Sean would want to know what she thought of it. With a smile on her face, she clicked off the movie when it was over. Sean had been right: it was a good movie.
With the house quiet she carried their dirty plates and glasses to the kitchen. This space had the same charm as the rest of the house with nineteen-fifties tiles on the walls, and even appliances to match. The table was the same type she remembered her grandparents having in their kitchen. Chrome with a red top with chairs that matched. The only concession to the present day was a TV sitting on the counter. She loved the room right away. It was a perfect place to enjoy cooking a meal.
Her mother’s kitchen was like that. Even after so many years she still thought of it as her mother’s kitchen. Nothing had been moved or changed since her parents had died. Somehow it seemed wrong to do so. Her mother had spent so much time preparing meals there. Lots of laughter and love had been shared in that all-important space. Cynthia hadn’t had the heart to make any changes. And the boys deserved for it to remain the same until they left.
