He grabs my hand and brings it to his lips. Tiny currents of energy spark to life inside of me.
“All I ask is for a few hours, Louella. Would you deny me that? A suspended moment of happiness before the world closes back in around us.”
“What aren’t you telling me?”
“Later. Please.” He squeezes my hand. “We need a base to rebuild upon. Can we not start today?” At that moment, I can see what’s left of his humanity peering out of from behind his rich brown eyes.
The pile of gray boxes, meticulously wrapped in a matte paper and cream flower bows piques my interest. I’m not buying it. He has ulterior motives. Still, the please twists me into knots. It’s not a word he uses often sincerely. There’s no command, simply a request.
“Okay.”
“Yes?”
The surprise in his voice drives a crack through the wall between our bond, and my emotions begin to spill on both sides. His gratitude and joy are a light spot on a dark and dismal day. I latch onto it, accepting the fortification he’s offering up. This is what the bond is meant to do. Make us stronger together. I ignore his comments. The man could sell snow to an Eskimo.
“Did you just …”
“Speak to you in your mind? Yes. You can do the same if you follow the pathway that links us.”
“You know what. No.” I place a finger over his lips. “No more bond talk. You want to have a day to rebuild? That’s my request.”
“Done.” He hefts the pile of presents, obscuring his face. “Now how about we get inside so I can spoil you?”
I laugh. “I don’t need that.”
“See, that’s exactly why you did. You’ve never learned how to take care of yourself first.” The gentle scolding is familiar. His caring was one of the things that drew me to him.
I raise my not-so-perfectly-sculpted brows. Memo to self, make time to get them waxed. “Things have to get done.”
“Yes, but not always by you.”
“How long have you known me? And yet we continue to have this conversation,” I say dryly.
“I’m just as stubborn as you, dove.”
My heartbeat spikes. I close my eyes, stunned by the visceral response my body has to the old nickname.
“No, you’re patient, because you’re ancient, and have the time to spare.”
He chuckles. “No one has a sharp tongue quite like you.”
“It’s a gift.” I unlock the door and step inside. “Come on in. Don’t mind the mess, and do be kind to Sacha when she arrives. She’s my roomie now.”
“I’m surprised Ms. Morel left the family home.”
“There were extenuating circumstances, but it’s not my story to tell.”
His eyes grow sad. “You used to consider me your closest confidante.”
“That’s a title that’s earned, not awarded.”
With a little difficulty, due to all of the packages he still carries, he reaches out to grasp my hand. “Are you willing to give me the chance to prove myself worthy of your trust?”
“No more lies going forward. If you can’t tell me something, say that. But no more half-truths or manipulated facts.”
“Do you understand what you’re asking for with a full disclosure policy?”
“Yes. I’m not that young girl anymore.”