I take a deep breath, studying how they look side by side.
“That dog is about the only thing that makes her smile. I’d get her a whole pack if I thought they’d make it happen more often.”
“Sterling.” Halliday’s voice comes out breathy.
“I love my family. They’re everything to me. All I have.”
She listens intently, and I can feel her gaze fixed on my face as I admire our entwined fingers. I stroke her thumb, desperately soaking in the way her small hand fits inside mine like I was always meant to keep it safe.
Treasure it.
I don’t know what possesses me, but I bring our joined hands to my lips and press a soft kiss to the back of hers.
“Thank you,” I murmur, placing them onto the table, running my thumb over her knuckles in a gentle sweep before letting go.
“Why are you thanking me? I haven’t done anything yet.” Frowning, she looks into my eyes like she’s trying to figure out a puzzle that has no answer.
“You’ve given my daughter something to feel excited about. This quest of hers to find me someone—regardless of if it happens—it’s made her happier. Given her something new to focus on.”
“The only reason it won’t happen is if you refuse to allow it to. If you choose not to be open to it. It’s your choice, Sterling. And yours alone.”
I look into her eyes, a confession from the past teetering on the tip of my tongue.
Choice.
So much in life boils down to it.
I take another sip of brandy to prevent myself from speaking. When I know I can trust my own voice, I speak again.
“Tell me about you. Your family. Life in London.”
“Actually, I thought we could go over Juliette’s?—”
“I’d love for you to share it with me. You’re getting to know me. I’d like to know more about you too.”
She hesitates, and maybe she’ll put my interest down to reluctance to my upcoming date. But it’s not.
I just want to know more about her.
It’s both as simple and as complicated as that.
Her lashes flutter, and she bites her lip.
“Please, Hallie,” I breathe.
The name slips out so easily, as if it was always supposed to be what I call her.
Her brows shoot up before lines pinch the corners of her eyes as though she’s in pain.
I’ve overstepped.
“Forgive me, I?—”
“What do you want to know?” She captures me in her gaze, dark lashes fanning out over her cheeks with each blink.
And I’m damn mesmerized.
“Everything,” I rasp, unable to tear my eyes from her as she blushes. “Every little detail.”
