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He makes me feel emotions I haven’t felt in a long time. I’m hoping that means I’m ready to date. I’ve had no interest in that since Jim and I broke up. I can tell I’m ready to touch and be touched—kiss and be kissed. I liked that kiss. I liked it a lot. I wasn’t aware I was touching my fingertips to my lips until I drop my hand down.
I steel myself for the potential of more, hoping this isn’t a mistake. When he comes back, I’m going to kiss him. Two can play this game, and I intend to score. I laugh at my slip. I mean win. Yes, I intend to win, not score. And if I happen to get to kiss him again in the process, then I’ll take one for the home team. I’m ready for action . . . to prove a point, of course.
I see Mrs. Lackey walk into the living room and smile so sweet as she looks at the two us. “I hope you don’t mind me stopping by—”
“No, not at all. Would you like something to drink?” Charlie asks her as I walk inside from the balcony.
“If you have sherry, that would be nice,” she replies, and looks down for a moment, as if she’s being naughty.
He chuckles. “I’m sorry, I don’t have any sherry, but I do have white wine.”
“Join me for a chat on the couch and we’ll all have a glass of wine together, then.” She’s kind of bossy, but I like her.
I sit down beside her on the couch as Charlie gets the not-so-subtle hint and retreats to the kitchen. She turns toward me and states rather bluntly, “You like him a lot. Are you in love?”
My eyes go wide. “I think you’ve assumed the wrong thing about us.”
“No, I haven’t. You, dear, aren’t allowing yourself to see the truth.”
“What are we talking about, ladies?” Charlie hands us both a glass of wine with a smile.
Veronica looks right at him and says, “We were talking about how much Charlie likes you.”
I gasp in surprise. “I . . .” I stutter, shaking my head. “No, we weren’t. We were talking about—”
He’s looking at me all smug, loving the fact that I’ve been put on the spot, and then winks just to add to the fun before turning back to her. “Mrs. Lackey, I think you’re a troublemaker. I’m going to need to keep my eye on you.”
She laughs, patting my leg. “I think Charlie here is more your type. Keep your eyes on her lovely face and all will end how it should.” She smiles, but I see her matchmaker sneaky side slipping out, and that makes me giggle. She’s full of grand ideas when she asks, “I want to dance. Will you dance with me, Charlie?”
He offers her a hand, helping her up and pulling her to him with a flourish and a spin. “It would be my pleasure.” Going to his music system, he flips through a few stations until he finds what he’s looking for.
Charlie melts my heart when I hear Sinatra waft from the speakers. He strolls back to Veronica, and like a gentleman, takes her by the hand. They sync their steps and sway to the romantic music.
She’s beaming as she smiles up at him. I can’t hear what she says, but when the second song comes on, she claims she’s tired and insists I take her place.
He smiles and nods to encourage me to get up, and I do. I do because he’s that persuasive when he has that look of . . . of . . . like? No, it’s more than that. That look isn’t like, it’s so much more. I know because it’s how I’m looking at him right now, and all of my earlier resolve to prove him wrong, to win, is gone. If losing is dancing with someone or even kissing someone who cares for you like I undoubtedly care for him then call me a loser.
I take Veronica’s place and slide my hand into his as he places his other hand on my hip. I hold his shoulder with my left hand and step closer, wanting to be as close as I can without offending Veronica by being too overt.
He’s warm to the touch, and being this close, dancing with him is nothing less than intoxicating. Closing my eyes, I lean my cheek against his shoulder.
My hands are released as his arms wrap me in strength, protection . . . love?
At this moment, this moment right now, I wonder why I’ve been fighting this when it feels so good to be with him. I’ve been resisting his charms and handsome face, beautiful smile, and happy eyes since I first laid eyes on him on the subway last March. Why did I keep myself from the happiness he so freely gives me?
