“Feel better now?”
“Slightly.”
He couldn’t help it. He leaned in, his lips getting just a taste of hers before— “Ahem.”
They pulled away from each other and looked over to the door. Caroline was leaning against the door jam, her arms crossed. “Sorry to interrupt.”
Chapter 23♥“Go Home, Caroline.”
Will jumped to his feet and held out a hand for Elsie to do the same. He was painfully aware that they were both barefoot, and he had a water stain down his front, while Elsie had one down her back. He didn’t give two hoots what Caroline thought of it, of him acting this way, but this had been his and Elsie’s moment, and now it was over.
Caroline eyed Elsie warily. “Gianna and I will be in the kitchen. We found her the perfect dress.”
Elsie stepped away from him and walked toward her sandals against the wall. If she’d just look at him, maybe he could convey how sorry he was for the interruption.
He wracked his brain for the right thing to say. Anything would be better than nothing, but she left the room before he could figure out what that anything was. He gathered up the now empty water bottles and followed her to the kitchen.
Gianna tugged on his sleeve. “Hey, genius. Check your phone occasionally.” He wasn’t even sure where his phone was.
Gianna put on a warm smile for Elsie. “I’m so glad to finally meet you.”
Elsie came over and bent down to give Gianna a hug. “And I’m excited to meet you.”
“Gianna, where should I hang this up?” Caroline lifted up the garment bag, showing off the glittering ivory dress inside.
“Thank you, Caroline. If you’d put it in my closet, that would be so helpful.” Gianna turned back to Elsie. “So, how did dinner go?”
Elsie blushed. “It was delicious, thank you.”
“She especially enjoyed the lemonade,” Will added. For the first time since they’d hopped off the gym floor, Elsie looked at him and smiled.
“Do you have room for dessert?” Gianna asked. “We have lots of ice cream in the freezer.” She glanced up at Will. “We could eat while we watch a movie.”
Caroline breezed back in. “Oh, I know the perfect one. These two angels fall in love while on assignment.”
Normally, Will hated sappy romantic movies, but he saw the way Elsie’s eyes lit up at the mention of it.
“Great, I’ll rent it.” He went into the media room and found the movie on one of the apps. He had it all primed when the three girls came in with their bowls of ice cream.
“Here’s yours.” Caroline handed him a bowl and plopped down on the leather couch next to him before Elsie could. Elsie raised an eyebrow, but she went to the other end to sit next to Gianna, who had parked her wheelchair next to it.
On nights when it was only the two of them, Will usually helped Gianna out of her wheelchair and onto the couch, but she’d given a slight shake of her head when they’d first come in, letting him know she was fine in her chair.
He was not starting this movie with Caroline usurping his date. “Swap me seats, Caroline. I like to be in the middle.”
“In the middle of what?” she asked coyly.
“The middle of the screen,” he snapped back.
She gave a little pout and moved over as he stood up and took her spot.
Caroline snuggled back into him. “I’m having ice cream envy. That chocolate chip looks so good.” She swiped a little out of his bowl and gave a satisfied sigh. He turned to Elsie, determined to get the night back on track, but she was chatting with Gianna. He pointed the remote at the screen. Time to start this stupid movie.
***
Elsie tried to enjoy the movie, but she felt stupid for being there. The look Caroline had given her when she walked in had one clear message. BACK OFF. Elsie never walked away from a challenge, but she was also highly practical. And it was obvious that while annoying, Caroline was a permanent fixture in their household, with power to wield. Just look at what she’d done to Charlie and Jane. The blame percentages kept changing in her head. How much was Charlie’s decision? How much Will’s? How much Caroline’s?
She’d read the letter from Will so many times she had most of it memorized.I had high hopes for Jane and Charlie. He was afraid a long distance relationship wouldn’t work, as it’s been a disaster for him in the past. The only thing I urged him to do was let Jane know.
