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“And you do this every week?”
Lia nodded. “I try to.”
They reached the sidewalk and turned in the direction of the estate.
“Why?”
“You of all people should understand,” she said, tugging at the fingers of one long yellow glove.
The movement snared Paul’s attention and he noticed an immediate and sharp uptick in his heartbeat as he watched her slide the material down her arm. The practiced move wasn’t at all provocative or sexy, but made his breath quicken all the same.
“Why do you think I should understand?”
“Because of all the charity work your family does.”
“Philanthropy and wealth usually go hand in hand.”
“There’s a difference between writing a big check and giving time and energy to a cause. Your family actively participates because that’s what’s rooted in their personal values.”
Yet part of those values was defined by the idea that because of their good fortune the Wattses owed something to those less fortunate. Lia had no largesse, so why was she driven to help others? What compelled her to dress up and sing to children or to help Grady get better?
Despite all the facts he’d gleaned about her, today’s hospital visit demonstrated how little he actually knew—or understood—about her.
“Thanks for coming along today,” Lia said, rousing Paul from his thoughts.
He noticed that they were nearing the estate and found himself suddenly reluctant to part ways. “Do you want to come in for a drink?”
For a beat she stared at him as if debating how to respond, and then she shook her head. “I can’t figure you out.”
“The feeling is mutual.”
“All week long you’ve been avoiding me. Now today you come with me to the hospital and invite me for a drink. What’s changed?”
What could he say? That he found her charming, her company invigorating? That avoiding her wasn’t helping his peace of mind? He already knew their temperaments were completely different. Maybe if they spent more time together her eccentric ways and quirky beliefs would turn him off once and for all.
“Oh,” she continued. “I’ll bet you’re scheming to get me drunk in the hopes I’ll slip up and say something damning.”
“Now who’s the suspicious one,” he retorted, wishing this was going more smoothly. As much as he didn’t want to put his cards on the table, Paul realized he had to give her a peek at his hand if he hoped to entice her to extend their time together. “Maybe I enjoyed your company this afternoon and don’t want it to end.”
She blinked at him. “I’m sorry? Did I just hear you right? You enjoyed my company?”
“Do you want to join me for a drink or not?” he grumbled.
She tapped her finger against her lips, making a show of giving consideration to his invitation. “Well, since you asked so sweetly...sure. Let me change and check on Grady. It won’t take me more than ten minutes.”
“Need any help?” he asked, eyeing the gown’s complicated lacings. “I’ve never undressed a princess before.” The declaration came out of nowhere, surprising them both.
“If I thought you actually meant that,” she said in a breathless rush, “I’d take you up on your offer.”
Paul opened his mouth to either take back his remark or to double down, but before he decided which, Lia threw up both hands and shook her head vigorously.
“No. Don’t say anything more.” She began retreating toward the house. “I’ll be back in ten minutes. That should give you plenty of time to figure out how to get yourself out of trouble.”
* * *
Lia’s buoyant mood lingered as she walked along the garden paths that led to the house. When she’d donned the Belle costume, she’d never imagined such a magical afternoon. She’d spent the last seven days anxious and miserable over Paul’s pronounced disapproval, unsure how to cope with her body’s irresistible response to his physical appeal or to manage the push and pull of apprehension and lust that kept her off-balance.
Before today, if asked to describe Paul, Lia would have used words like confident and authoritative. Yet at the hospital today he’d shown her a different side, demonstrating he could be reflective and more openminded than she’d imagined. This brief respite from his distrust was a welcome change.
