He bent his knees, so he was at eye level with her. “I want to kiss you, but you froze, and I don’t want to make you do anything you don’t want to.”
She shook her head. “It’s not that I don’t want to. It’s just that I’ve never…”
It took him just a few seconds to understand what she meant. “So you’ve never kissed anyone?”
She shook her head. “No, never.”
“I should have thought of that. I’m sorry. I don’t want to invade your space or force myself on you.”
“I want you—I mean, I want to kiss you, but I don’t know what I’m doing. I feel so lost.”
He took her hand and led her to the couch. “I’m sorry. This is bad timing, but I have to leave town for a while.”
“Am I going with you?”
He shook his head and saw the hurt blossom in her eyes. “I’m sorry, but it’s work-related, and I don’t have a choice. I know that means you’ll be here alone for a while, but I know Ellis and the rest of the women will come over to keep you company and make sure you have food.”
“Oh.”
Her lips turned down in a frown, and he wanted to make her feel better. “Hey, it won’t be too long. Maybe a few weeks or a month.”
“How will I pay for things?”
“I’ll send Ellis some money and make sure she knows to request more if you need it. You’ll be taken care of.”
“I need a job.”
Her words made him smile. “One thing at a time. Get used to living here, and then we can talk about getting you a job. We still have to get your documentation, and that might take some time.”
She blew out a breath, her frustration clear on her face. “Everything seems to take time. I just don’t want to sit around all day.”
He kissed her cheek. “I know, and I’m sorry I have to take off. It’s bad timing, but I can’t help it.”
“It’s okay. I don’t mean to complain. I just wish everything was easier.”
“I know. And it’s not going to be easier while I’m gone. I’m sorry.”
She shook her head. “I’ll be fine. I survived my escape, I can survive this. Besides, this is much easier than escaping a cult.” Her lips spread into a smile, and he cupped her cheeks and then leaned in, brushing his lips gently over hers.
“I need to head back to base. I don’t have much time. I’ll see you when I get back.”
Flora nodded, feeling sad that he was leaving, but she didn’t want him to know. He’d been so nice, and she shouldn’t complain. She had a good place to live, and Q was nicer than any man she’d ever met in the community. She could deal with anything as long as she never had to go back to the community.
He left as quickly as he’d come in. She stood at the window, watching him drive away. Sadness took over, and tears flowed. She wiped them away, wondering why she was so emotional now. The community didn’t like cryers, and she’d been punished many times for having any emotions until she’d learned to control them. Now she found herself crying, and there was no one around to tell her to stop.
After washing her face, she moved to the kitchen, wondering what she should eat for dinner. There was beef to make burgers, but it was still frozen, and it would be too much for her. She didn’t want a sandwich, but was it really worth it to cook only for herself?
Her phone buzzed and she pulled it out of her pocket, seeing she had a text from Clove asking if she wanted to come over for dinner. The question brought a smile to her face. She texted back immediately that she would love to come to dinner. Then sent another text asking if she needed to bring anything. Clove said no, just herself. Luckily Clove just lived down the street.
After brushing her teeth, Flora put on her shoes, which still felt like a total luxury, and headed out. She locked up like Q had shown her and started her short walk to Clove’s place.
When she got there, she found that Andie and Talia were already there. Vera and Ellis were on their way over.
“It’s so nice that you included me.”
Andie gave her a quick hug. “Of course, we wouldn’t think of having a group dinner without you. You’re part of the pack.”
Flora couldn’t help but smile. It felt amazing to have friends. “In the community I wasn’t allowed to have friends.”
