Charlotte only put up a little fight before climbing down and returning with Delaney to their table.
“I’ll walk you both home.” Noah stood as they approached. “Unfortunately, I’m expected back for the final dance.”
They snaked through the park, Charlotte wedged between them, her tiny hand warm in Delaney’s. The crowd had thinned since the height of the festival, but remnants of the celebration lingered—discarded napkins fluttering in the autumn breeze, the band still playing for the younger crowd who’d taken over the floor.
When they reached the sidewalk, Delaney said, “I’m sorry about that touch.” Her cheeks warmed. “I shouldn’t have?—”
He stopped suddenly, so she did, too, finding him facing her.
“You have nothing to apologize for. If anyone should be apologizing…”
He took a breath, his gaze flicking down to Charlotte, who plopped down on the sidewalk as if too tired to take another step. She was chattering to a stuffed animal she’d won with Delaney’s help.
Mr. Aylett continued. “I’m sorry about…you know.” The intensity of his gaze told her what he meant, and her cheeks burned when she remembered their forbidden kiss. “You’ve been… Youareamazing, and if I ever make you feel otherwise, I don’t mean to. I just can’t risk…”
“Scandal. I know.”
His lips twisted as if he found the word distasteful.
“Delaney.”
She loved the way her name sounded on his tongue. He hadn’t used it since the night of their kiss.
He was watching her, his gaze intense. “I’m just going to say it. It’s not nothing, this thing between us.”
Her heart raced. What was he saying? That what he felt wasn’t just physical? That he felt something more for her?
He continued. “The timing is wrong, that’s all. But when the…” Something must have caught his attention. He glanced away, and those eyes that had held her captive narrowed.
She turned to see what he’d seen.
A block from the festival on a side street, Heather got into the passenger seat of a dark Cadillac. The car’s interior light illuminated her face briefly before going dark.
“Wasn’t that your friend?” Noah’s tone had an edge. “What is she doing with him?”
“Do you know him? Heather mentioned at the park that she’s dating someone. Maybe that was him.”
Noah watched the black sedan pull away, his brow furrowed. “I’m pretty sure that was Frederick Hayes’s car.”
“The guy who threatened me tonight? What a weird coincidence that they’re together.”
He uttered a skepticalhmmin the back of his throat. “He’s married.”
“Yeah, she said that.”
Noah gave Delaney a sharp look, and she lifted her hand in surrender. “I don’t condone it. And I didn’t know the guy’s name.”
“I know, of course. Sorry. It’s just…” But his words faded, leaving her to wonder what he was thinking.
Charlotte was telling her stuffed bear all about their house and her bedroom.Her little voice was so innocent, a sharp contrast to the evening.
“Let’s go, Charlie-Bear,” Noah said.
She stood, and they resumed their walk.
They’d gone a block or so when Noah blew out a long breath, then inched a little closer to Delaney. “I need to tell you something.” His voice was low. “I’m going to have to let you go for a little while.”
The words hit Delaney like a slap. She stumbled on the sidewalk, and he gripped her arm to keep her from falling.
