Her eyes go all glossy again. “Why are you so nice to me?”
“Because seeing your smile has become the best part of my day.”
Dinner goes well. We finish the bottle of wine and eat all our food. It’s been a while since I’ve been to a restaurant like that, considering I don’t know the last time I went on a date. Not that itwasa date, but close enough.
I’m driving Seraphine home, trying to keep my hands to myself all while hoping she invites me upstairs.
When we get closer to her building, I have to make the decision of where to park. Do I go through the valet and give him my car so I can go up, go in the garage and park in the spot she leaves empty because she won’t let me buy her a car and hers is still parked at her father’s house, or do I go through the drop off line to drop her off.
“Seraphine,” I say seriously.
“Yeah?”
“Will you be feeding me dessert tonight?” I sneak a glance at her and see her staring out the window, licking her lips.
“I want to…”
“But?” There’s a but there. I can sense it.
“I need more time.”
She answers just in time for me to get into the proper lane, the one in which I can drop her off. When she reaches for the handle, I grab her hand, tugging her to me to get her attention.
“Take all the time you need. I will not rush you but know that I do want this. I’m here when you’re ready.” I bring her palm to my lips, kissing her gently. Then I get out of the car and go around it to help her out. I brush hair away from her face, letting my fingers linger on her skin for a moment too long.
“Good night, Seraphine.”
“Good night, Elliot.”
With a small smile, she moves past me, and I stand there until I see her disappear behind the elevator door. Then I wait longer, counting the seconds it would take for her to go to her floor, get to her door, and unlock it. My gaze lingers on her apartment, and when the lights flick on, I get into my car and drive home.
This is turning out to be much worse than I thought it would be.
I’m getting feelings for her.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Seraphine
It’s Saturday afternoon and I just woke up. It’s been a long time since I allowed myself to sleep in, but I guess I needed it after the late night dinner and shared bottle of wine with Mr. Caldwell.
I make myself a quick breakfast and get dressed in a fresh pair of pajamas. I don’t plan on leaving my house today. There’s something I’ve been wanting to do for a while, and I shouldn’t put it off any longer.
Picking up my old cell, because I still haven’t gotten rid of it, I open up a contact I haven’t looked at in a long time.
Gia.
I send her a simple text asking if we could talk. I stare at the screen for at least a minute, and when I don’t get an answer, I put it down and hope she didn’t see it yet or has a new number, and not that she’s choosing to ignore me.
Picking up my new phone, I send a text to Justine to check in. She has my new number because we chat here and there. She’sbummed that I quit the spa but understands why. Clara made a fuss about me taking time off after the situation with my father’s death, and so I just quit. That was before I had even looked at the contract with Caldwell Enterprises. It’s a good thing it all worked out. I’d likely be out on the street, since I still haven’t heard anything back about my father’s estate.
Justine: All’s good here. Same old crap.
Me: *sad face*
Justine: We should do lunch soon.
Me: Next weekend?
