The way he looks at her, the way he touched her. The fact that he wanted her to stay.
"We're here."
She jumped slightly at the sound of his deep voice.
"Yes." Unhooking her belt, she shoved open the door before he could come around and stood there waiting for him to round the hood. "I don't want you to come in."
"I think that's a good plan." He started to reach for her and changed his mind. Putting his hands into his pockets, he rocked back on his heels. "I want to kiss you."
"No." She shook her head wildly. "No." If that was not enough, she held out her hands as if to ward him off. "Just no."
"All right." He lifted a hand. "Keeping my distance. Is it okay if I call you?"
"Yes. Later." She still stood there.
"I should go."
"You should."
They lapsed into silence and just stood there with the wind dancing through their clothing.
"This is ridiculous." He muttered. They came at each other at the same time. Lifting her up, he spun her around before seizing her lips. She clung, returning the kiss with unrestrained passion that staggered him. His hands gripped her tight as he deepened the kiss.
Setting her down, he put her away from him, breathing erratic.
"Call me."
She nodded and walked away without looking back.
Letting herself inside, she stood there at the window, waiting until he drove off, before going upstairs to get rid of the borrowed clothing. She was going to have to do some dry cleaning before putting them back where she found them. Donning her own clothes, she stared at herself in the mirror.
In the past, she had been satisfied with the things she had but now realized that something had changed. The cashmere had felt so good against her skin. The moisturizer and cream she had "borrowed" felt like silk.
Turning away from the mirror, she picked up her bag and grabbed her keys. It was time to get back to her world. The one where she belonged, the one where her son was waiting for her.
*****
"Mom!" He raced towards her as soon as she hopped out of the vehicle and flew into her arms. "Where were you?" he demanded as soon as he wriggled free.
"Out with a friend."
"What friend?"
"A friend." Tucking her hand through his, she started walking towards the front porch.
"Is it a guy friend?"
"None of your business." She flicked a finger down his nose as they went up the steps.
"Grams made some stew with lots of vegetables." He wrinkled his nose. "It's nasty."
"You will eat what's set before you and be done with it." Imelda came rounding the corner of the room and gave him a beady eye. "Dinner is ready."
"Grams, you didn't have to go to any trouble. I was planning on grabbing David and just heading home."
"I made enough for an army, so you and your son will sit your butts down and enjoy the fruit of my labor." With that said, she sailed into the kitchen.
"She said 'butt'." David chortled.
