Jane’s hand trembled as she placed it on his thigh, so close to his equipage one little slip would have her fingers brushing that spot. “Do you feel that?”
“Not all, but in a small place.”
She nodded. “What about this?” Daring much, she pinched his leg through the fabric. “How about now?”
“Yes!” He grabbed her hand. “I felt that pinch on my skin. I felt it.”
Warmth emanated from the point of contact, but her heart constricted. “That’s wonderful!” She took the unwanted book from him and propped it on a shelf. “What does it mean?”
“I have no idea, but I’ll make an appointment with my surgeon.” When he realized he still held her hand, he released her as if she’d burned him. “I beg your pardon for the unusual favor.”
“I’m merely glad to be part of something positive.” The enormity of what that might mean for his life staggered her, but with spinal cord injury, one never knew. At least, she assumed that was what caused him to become paralyzed. Needing to put space between them lest she burst into inconsequential babble again, she moved farther along the aisle.
He worked at maneuvering his chair around in the narrow confines while she pressed her lips together to keep from smiling. It was adorable how he tried to hide his elation beneath his customary scowl. After a few curses escaped him, she broke her reserve.
“Would you like assistance?”
“As much as I’d love to say no, reality dictates otherwise.” He sighed. Resignation settled over his features to obscure the previous excitement. “Especially while I’ll have to face the door and the pavement…”
“It will be my pleasure.” Helping people underscored her own dreams and confirmed that she followed the correct path.
The major rolled his eyes. “Must you act as though everything in life is delightful?”
“Must you act as if everything is drudgery?” Jane smiled as she tucked her book beneath an arm and slipped to stand behind his chair. “We balance each other out, wouldn’t you say?”
“Or encourage a storm to form,” he said in a grumble.
“I guess we’ll see which one of us has the stronger will.” Anticipation buzzed at the base of her spine while she changed his chair’s trajectory, pushed him from the aisle and up to the front of the shop.
A few newly arrived patrons glanced up for no other reason than to stare at him. None of them said hello.
“Ungrateful dodgers,” she whispered for the major’s ears alone.
Mr. Basil peered at them both from over the rims of his half-moon spectacles. “Did you find what you need?”
“Yes.” Major Storme gave over his book. “I’ll pay for Lady Jane’s as well.” When she sputtered in protest, he inclined his chin a notch. Dear Lord, a slight dent occupied that feature. “In exchange for your mobility assistance.”
“I… I…” She took a deep breath and then let it out as Mr. Basil frowned. “Thank you.” She handed the older man her book. The unexpected kindness as well as that chin dimple worked to set her at sixes and sevens. When was the last time that had happened?
Once the transaction had concluded, she accompanied the major to the door, which she held for him. She joined him on the pavement and once more took control of his chair, pushing him through Mayfair toward her other favorite place.
“Where the devil are you taking me?” The major put his hands on the chair wheels, effectively halting their forward momentum regardless of the pedestrian traffic flowing around them.
“To the chocolate house.”
The mottled red color had returned to his cheeks and neck. “Why?”
“To repay your kindness with some of my own.” She smiled as he glowered. “We can talk more privately there if you want.”
“And if I don’t?”
Jane resumed pushing him. “Then you can scowl at me and the rest of the patrons while I enjoy a snack.” A self-conscious laugh escaped her. “Perhaps I like such outings too much else I wouldn’t look so chubby.”
“What utter poppycock.”
Did he refer to her looks or her words or her presumption to take him to the chocolate house? And why did she suddenly hope he found her attractive despite her curves?
By the time they were seated at a small round table inside the chocolate house, his face was bright red with embarrassment, for she’d had to help him with his chair at the doorway. Jane pretended not to notice, for calling attention to it would only make matters worse. She’d gone through it with her brother when he returned from war missing an arm. The fact that she was nearly enamored with the major didn’t help, but if his faith in himself ever restored itself, he would be fine.