Page 97 of Statler

Unfortunately, that idyllic time hadn’t lasted long.

Still, Holden always knew where she went on Saturdays, and never tried to stop her even as he’d subsequently kept her “in line” where factory business was concerned.

Eliza narrowed her eyes at Statler. “You’re not going to tell anybody, are you?” she asked.

“Absolutely not,” was his immediate reply. “I love this place for you. I…” He let his eyes wander, then walked closer to Eliza. Leaning down, he kissed her gently on the lips.

Eliza’s body lit up.

After today, if she put her plans in action with Granny’s help, she might never have the chance to get physical with Statler again.

He’d opened the door, so…

This was it. Now or never.

She grabbed the front of his shirt and deepened their kiss.

Statler groaned, and the sound fed her long-unrequited desires.

Before she even thought about what she was doing, Eliza leapt up and wrapped her legs around Statler’s waist, feeling his interest surge between them.

Yes!

He feasted on her mouth, kneading her posterior with his large palms.

Their combined breath came in short gasps as they broke away, only to attack each other once again.

This was good.

This was soooo good.

Eliza was ready for what she hoped would come next, and she knew just the place⁠—

“We can’t.” Statler stopped and pulled his head away abruptly, easing his hands up from her ass to her waist to lower her gently.

Eliza was momentarily confused.

It was clear that Statler wanted her.

But…

What had he said before? When they’d kissed in the field?

Right. He had things to sort out before they took things any further.

Drat.

“I’m sorry,” she apologized with a huff. “I know you already told me you weren’t free to⁠—”

“No, Eliza. Don’t do that,” he retorted. “Don’t second guess yourself. That was… I liked it. I liked it a lot. But there are things…”

Eliza put a finger to his lips. “We don’t have to talk about it.”

She put on her brightest smile. “Let’s talk about our mutual love of painting, instead.”

Surely that was safe territory.

He nodded reluctantly, and his face grew serious. “Yeah. About your art. Maybe you shouldn’t be⁠—”