“Your channel is fascinating.” Dr. Cook gestured to thevisitor’s center behind them. “Was it your idea to go for a walk?”
“It was.”
Dr. Cook nodded his head. “Good exercise and a beautiful view.”
“It is.”
“Well, I’ve taken up enough of your time.” He turned toward Erykah. “I hope you enjoy the rest of your day. And I apologize for sticking my foot in my mouth.”
“It’s okay, sir.”
When they got to the car, Chris went to buckle Cheyenne, but she pushed his hands away. “I got it.”
“Sorry.”
Erykah peered across the car seats to meet his gaze. “He’s right, you know,” she said softly.
“Right about what?”
“I don’t have friends.”
He stared at her. “What am I? Chopped liver?”
“I mean at work.” She smirked.
“Are you supposed to? Is it a requirement?”
She finished buckling in Ashlynn and straightened. “Why are you making things difficult? You know I’m not good at small talk and being kind.” Her face contorted into self-disgust. “I’ve never been good at knowing what to say.”
“You speak to me just fine.” He shut Cheye’s door and rounded the back of the vehicle to stand next to her. “Besides, what does it matter what Dr. Cook thinks? Doesn’t it matter that I call you friend and think you’re one of the kindest people I’ve ever met?”
Her chest rose and fell. “Really?”
He hated the uncertainty in her voice. “Truly.” He tucked one of her twists behind her ear. “I think you’re perfect the way you are.”
She leaned her cheek against his palm.
Chris could easily cup the back of her head and press his lips against hers. In fact, the honey scent that often teased his senses made him want to do just that. Would the taste of honey sweeten her kiss?
“Chris...” Erykah’s warm breath caressed his lips.
He leaned forward. This was a woman ready to be kissed.Willingto be kissed. How could he ignore that?
His phone chimed, and he jolted backward. Erykah almost crashed into him, but he gripped her upper arms, steadying her.
“Sorry. I need to get this.” That ringtone only rang for one person. “Hey, Mom.”
“Chris, how are you?”
He blew out a sigh, annoyed that he hadn’t been able to kiss Erykah. He glanced at her, but she averted her eyes and opened the passenger door, getting in before he could mouthsorryor any other pointless platitude. Only he didn’t actually know if he was sorry.
“I’m fine, Mom.” He squeezed the bridge of his nose.
“Good. I was wondering what you’ll be doing for Thanksgiving. Do you want to come up?”
And leave Erykah and the girls alone? “Um, I’m probably hanging with a friend. She’s had a difficult time this year.” He made his way slowly to the driver’s side. “You could come down, though.” Which she wouldn’t.
“Well, I mean, I could.”
