“What?”
He smiled. “Could you hear me thinking over here?”
She chuckled. “No. There’s no mind-reading or telepathy in my repertoire. I’m not sure I’d even want that.”
He leaned back, smiling. “I know what you mean. I’m not sure I’d want it either. What I would like to do now is something physical. Sometimes, that loosens up my thinking.”
Her eyebrows shot up. Freya wondered if he knew what she thought when he said, ‘physical.’ He’d probably be surprised. Or maybe not… After all, he’s a guy.
He chuckled. “I meant something like dancing. If you don’t like the Elks Club, we can use my rental car to get to a nightclub.”
She shook her head. “The Elks Club is fine. But how is your leg?”
He massaged his right leg and said, “It’s much better, but not perfect. Can I get another appointment for one of your stellar massages?”
“Of course. I have an opening late this afternoon. Say around four p.m.?”
“That would be great. If you allow me to buy you dinner afterward…”
She grinned. “Never turn down a free meal. That’s my philosophy.”
Just then, their lunch meals arrived. Freya guessed her friend Polly must’ve been eavesdropping because she said, “Well, then you’re going to be thrilled with this meal because I put it all on his tab.” All three of them laughed.
Over lunch, Freya subtly asked about his plans, hoping to get more insight into his life. “So, how long are you here for?”
“A few more days. I usually take a week’s skiing holiday in the winter, but this year, well…”
“Understood. By the way, I never asked what you do for a living.”
“Ah. I’m a financial advisor.”
“What does that mean?”
“We provide our clients with comprehensive strategies around financial planning, retirement planning, investment management, taxes, estate planning, and insurance, all to elevate their wealth potential.
Knowing that she couldn’t leave until her family returned and not knowing how long he could stay away from his business, she wondered how on Earth a relationship could blossom.
“Will you be around for Yule?”
He smiled. “I can be. Are you inviting me?”
Oh, Goddess, yes!That’s what she was thinking. Of course, she had to play it cooler than that. “If you have nowhere else to be, I’d enjoy your company.”
Freya’slast patient went home at about 3:30, and she had time to take a quick shower, pick out a nice dress, and maybe style her hair. If she didn't have time for all that, it would be fine. She usually let her hair dry naturally. She could do that while she gave Devon his massage.
He arrived at exactly 4:00, and she opened the door before he knocked. He strolled into the kitchen, and while taking off his coat, he said, "Did your psychic senses know I’d arrived before I got to the front door, or were you watching for me?"
"Now what fun would it be if I admitted to either of those?"
He smiled and asked, "Same room as before?"
"Yes, please. Just give me a shout when you're ready."
He walked into the massage room, and his limp was much less pronounced than it was the first time she noticed it.
She got those fluttery feelings every time she saw him now. It didn't matter if it was professionally or personally; she couldn't shut off the attraction. It would have been difficult for her, even if she didn't know the background that Great Aunt Elspeth mentioned. Freya didn't really know what to do with that.
She promised her she wouldn't tell him, and she wouldn't. But how would this work? She’s here in the United States, and he lives over in England.I can't leave because I hope to be here if my family returns. No, I should say when my family returns.She didn't know exactly when he had to go home. She should push for an answer to that pretty soon.
