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I ignore the burning his gaze ignites in my solar plexus.
“Go on, tell me,” he instructs.
“No, I can’t. Really, it was just a silly thing.”
“Since when has Victoria Canmore been embarrassed to ask for what she wants?”
“I’m terribly shy, you know.”
“Sure you are,” he says with one eyebrow raised. “What is it?”
I sigh. “Well, I was thinking, how would a trip to Meadow View sound?” I ask.
“I’m not sure I’m quite ready yet,” he replies.
“Funny,” I mutter with an eye roll. “My dad was watching the rugby with some of the other residents. It really lit them up. If you came in, an ex-Gossie, even just for a quick chat, it would make their day. They are all die-hard Gossie fans. They’d go wild.”
Corran rubs his chin with his hand. “Wouldn’t they rather have someone a bit more exciting like Ali Whyte? Folks love a Number Nine. I could arrange it.”
“I’m sure they’ll be perfectly satisfied with you,” I tease.
“Gee, thanks,” he mutters. Then in slightly brighter spirits, continues, “Well, they do say I’m the People’s Number Four.”
“I’m sure they do. So, will you come?”
“Sure. How does tomorrow sound?”
“Perfect. I’m heading in at one p.m., if you want to meet me there. I can introduce you to the staff, check they are fine with you visiting.”
“Or we could call in to see Ben, ask him directly.”
Shit.
Ben.
I’d forgotten about Ben.
Corran
I drain the last drops of my tea and take my cup over to Victoria. We stand side by side looking out the window. A memory stirs, so painful that I have to hold my breath until it subsides. I fight to focus on the perfectly manicured lawn, the impeccably power washed stone patio, the strictly ordered beauty of the flower beds.
But my chest remembers the feeling of her back pressed against it. My arms recall catching her as she sagged under the pleasure of her release. My palms itch with the memory of the ball aching softness of her curves. My ears remember the soul-tickling peal of her laughter.
And my heart remembers the moment we locked eyes on that school bus and I knew she was meant to be mine.
She looks up at me, a tiny frown creasing her brow.
“Corran?” she whispers.
I bend forward and brush my lips to hers. She twines her arms round my neck, pulling me hard against her. There’s no confusion in that kiss. It is clear as day what we both want, how we both feel. But when we break for a breath, confusion clouds her eyes.
I can’t let this happen.
I won’t cause her any pain.
I drop my hands to my sides and break away . “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have…”
She turns away. “No, no, don’t…I just didn’t think…we…er…Shall I show you the car?”
