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But she knew he had.
“And I know it doesn’t seem like it right now,” he continued.“But this is a good thing.And I know it’s unexpected.I mean, already this summer has been unexpected.Youwere very unexpected.”
His words stilled her.She swallowed her sobs and wiped at her face, embarrassed she’d let him see her that way.She took a deep breath and turned to face him.
“Youwere very unexpected, too.”
Adam put his hands on each of her arms and stared deeply into her eyes.“I won’t know anything for a while yet,” he said.“Let’s not think about it.Not until there’s something to think about, okay?”
She nodded in agreement.
“Let’s just enjoy our summer.Together.”
She nodded again.“I’d like that very much.”
Maureen knew she couldn’t ignore reality forever.But she was still naive enough to believe that if she didn’t think about something, it would just go away.
Adam’s lips curled up into a small smile.He used his thumb to stroke her cheek and gently pull her toward him, where he pressed his lips to hers and just like that, Maureen wasn’t thinking about anything else but the feel of Adam’s lips on hers and how perfect they were.
ChapterFive
Present
“Excuse me, ladies.”
Maureen sat back and wiped at her eye and the tear that she hadn’t realized had slipped out as she recounted that summer evening so long ago.Her story had been interrupted by a young bellboy, who nodded apologetically in Maureen’s direction, but focused on Elise.“I thought maybe you ladies would like some cookies, Ms.Bell.They’re your favorite.”
“Oatmeal chocolate chip?”Elise tilted her head and narrowed her eyes at the plate in front of her.
“Of course, Ms.Bell.”The young man held the plate closer.
“You’re new here.”She took a cookie from the plate.“Have we met?”
He nodded eagerly.“Once before.My name is Max.I’ve only been here since September.”
“Then you know not to call me Ms.Bell.”She spoke sternly, but the sparkle in her eye gave her away.“Please,” she said, her voice softening.“Call me Elise like everyone else.”
“Of course.Elise.”
He was rewarded with the older woman’s bright smile.
Max offered Maureen a cookie as well.“I was told to check if you’d like dinner in the dining room tonight or here in the lobby with your new friend.”
“Dinner?”
Maureen hadn’t given any thought to food at all, besides the cookie now in her hand.She’d lost all track of time talking to Elise.Sure enough, when she glanced at the time, it was dinner time.She looked to Elise, who shook her head.
“Not for me,” Elise said.“I’m quite comfortable here and not at all hungry.Unless you would like something, Maureen?”
Maureen shook her head.“I think this cookie will hit the spot.”
Max looked between them and nodded.“If you change your mind, just let me know.I’d be happy to get you whatever you need.”
The poor boy looked a little disappointed that he wasn’t able to help.Elise must have noticed as well.“Actually, Max.Would you be a dear and fetch us a fresh pot of chamomile tea from the kitchen?And maybe a few muffins, if the cook has any left over from breakfast.”
His face lit up with the task.“Of course, Ms…Elise.I’ll be right back with that.”
After he left, Maureen couldn’t help but giggle.“Poor thing was so eager to please.You’re like royalty around here.”
