I was used to dealing with Isla’s tears, and when the worst came to worst, there was only one thing that helped me dry them.
“Did you want to go for ice cream?”
As soon as I said it, I realized how stupid I sounded. This woman was obviously distraught and here I was, offering her ice cream. Right now, I wasn't even sure a stiff drink would help.
When she lifted her head, I saw the most beautifully broken woman I’d ever laid my eyes on.
Her face was flushed. Her plump lips looked soft and kissable. Her red eyes still brimmed with unshed tears, while dark lines left a trail down her cheeks. Her black-rimmed reading glasses were perched on the top of her head and tangled in her hair. I don't know why or where it came from, but I wanted to help her. I wanted to dry her tears and calm her fears. There was just something about her. Maybe it was the fact that she was completely raw and honest, something you didn’t see these days, that had my inner caveman rousing from a very long slumber.
Wiping her eyes with the back of her hand she offered me a small, sad smile. “I’m sorry. I don't know what came over me,” she lied, but I let it go. I had a feeling this woman crying beside me didn’t break down very often, but when she did, it knocked her on her ass.
Bouncing to my feet, I stuck my hand out for her. “Let me help you up.”
Warily, she accepted and let me pull her to her feet. Once we were both standing, I was surprised to find we were almost the same height. She went to let go of my hand but I held firm.
“Well … I better get back to it,” she suggested.
“You’ve got time,” I assured her before leading her down the corridor, her hand still firmly clasped in mine.
When we approached the bathrooms, she excused herself and ducked inside. Leaning against the wall, I shot a text to Franklin letting him know what was going on and he replied quickly telling me to take my time. I was sure wherever he was, he was chatting up some nurse who ought to know better.
Standing there, feeling like a creep lingering around the women’s bathroom, I couldn’t help but wonder if she’d jumped out the window trying to avoid me.
“Oh, you’re still here?” The surprise was evident in her voice.
“Yep. Waiting for you.”
“Why?”
“Why what?”
“Why are you waiting for me?”
“Because I’m taking you for ice cream,” I reminded her.
“You were serious about that?”
“I’m always serious about ice cream.” Flashing her a wink, I reached for her hand, and it wasn’t until she tangled her fingers with mine that I realized I’d even done it. I was so used to it being Isla, I hadn’t thought twice.
Together we walked through the halls toward the cafeteria. I had no idea how long I had before our next call came through and I had to get out of here, so I wasn’t going to waste a minute.
Thankfully, the cafeteria was almost empty when we arrived. “You go grab a seat and I’ll get our ice cream.”
Silently, she dropped her hold on my hand and slid into a booth in the corner, staring out the window overlooking the courtyard. The way the light was streaming through the huge windows made it look like she was wearing a halo.
I was summoned to the counter and placed my order quickly, before heading over to join her.
“Here we go …”
“Here we go?”
“I’m Luke,” I offered, feeling slightly awkward I hadn’t caught her name.
“Charlotte,” she replied.
“Nice to meet you, Charlotte. Now, the million-dollar question. Vanilla or chocolate?” I nudged both cups toward her and watched with amusement as her eyes bounced between the two.
Charlotte reached over and snagged the vanilla, surprising me. “What?” she asked as she scooped a tiny spoonful and popped it in her mouth.
