The song ended and another slow one started up. While she wanted to press close and let his delicious scent wash over her, she was a realist. Like everything else, this dance had an end.
“I’m taking off,” she said.
“I’ll walk you out.”
“I’m gonna say goodbye to Brit and Rebel.”
But she hadn’t broken away from him. Hadn’t released her now vice grip on his shoulders. This was the kind of effect he’d always had on her. He had this magical way of breaking down all her barriers until she’d bared her soul to him.
He leaned down, dropped a light kiss on her lips. “Thanks for the dance.”
“Go fuck yourself, Santini,” she whispered.
A grin spread across his beautiful face.
Damn him. Damn him to hell.
“I thinkyoushould do it,” he said as she stepped away.
“You wish,” she said.
She thanked Brit and Rebel, grabbed her duffle, and left. While Elsa’s home wasn’t on her way, she drove over to check on her.
The front light was on, as was the living room. Rather than use her key and scare her, she shot off a text.
Elsa, are you awake?
Dots appeared.
Yes TV
I stopped by on my way home. Can I come in?
Of course
Slash keyed her way in. Once inside, she found Elsa relaxing in her recliner in the family room. Dressed in her bathrobe and covered in a blanket, Elsa’s sleepy smile warmed Slash’s heart.
She leaned down, kissed her on her cheek. “How are you doing?”
“I’m fine. You can watch my show with me.”
Rather than sit on the sofa, Slash eased onto the floor. She removed one of Elsa’s slippers and gently rubbed her foot. Elsa was watching her favorite crime show, so Slash stayed quiet.
“That feels great, honey,” Elsa said.
Several minutes later, Slash slipped on her slipper, removed the other, and repeated the gentle foot rub. When the show ended, Slash fitted Elsa’s slipper back onto her foot.
“Are you sleeping down here tonight?” Slash asked.
“Oh, no. Upstairs in bed.”
Though Elsa was sure-footed, Slash had once asked if Elsa would consider moving to a single-level home or even into an assisted-living building. Elsa loved her home, she didn’t need assistance, end of discussion.
Slash went upstairs with her and waited in her bedroom while she brushed her teeth. Once Elsa got into bed, Slash sat on the edge of the bed.
“Can I stop at the store for you tomorrow?”
“I’m going after church with my friends, but thank you, honey. You can join us.”
