Page 47 of Take My Hand

“Yes, you are.” She put her hands to her hips and sighed. “Come on then. Show me how it’s done.”

Sauntering over to the rack of bowling balls, I picked one up and walked to the spot. Maya moved out of the way, waving her hand in front of her.

“Off you go, Mr Bowling Champion.”

I let the ball go and watched as it ran down the aisle knocking eight skittles over. “I didn’t get a strike out,” I said almost apologetically.

Maya burst out laughing and walked up to me, wrapping her arms around my shoulders. “Maybe you’re not that good then.” Getting onto her tiptoes she gave me a quick kiss. “I don’t think I’m going to beat you after all, so do you fancy going somewhere else?”

I did, but it was probably time I went home. I’d left Maddy her dinner and had messaged her that I wouldn’t be home until later, but I couldn’t leave her alone all night.

“I really should be getting back. It’ll take me a couple of hours, and there’s Maddy.”

“That’s fine.” She stroked my cheek and smiled. “I had fun today. Thank you.”

“It’s been my absolute bloody pleasure.” I had to kiss her but was afraid that if I did, I wouldn’t stop. “Can we do it again, soon?”

She grinned. “I’d love that.”

“As soon as I get home, I’ll call you and sort when. Is that okay?”

“Perfect.”

Heavy with disappointment, I let her go. “Do you want a lift home? I’m parked on Templar Street.”

“I’m parked just around the corner from the café, so don’t worry.”

It was only six-thirty, but it was dark outside, and I didn’t like the idea of her going back to her car alone.

“Then I’ll walk you back to your car.”

She slapped at my chest. “You don’t need to. It’s through a crowded shopping area.”

“Nope. I want to. I insist.”

She thought about it for a moment and then nodded, taking my hand in hers. “I’d like that. It would be very kind of you.”

I gave her hand a squeeze and pulled her a little closer. “I told you, I’m a very nice man.”

Her eyes grazed over my face as she sighed, “You know, I actually you think you are.”

“I am,” I said, staring into her beautiful green eyes. “And I’m looking forward to showing you exactly how nice I can be.”

As she smiled at me, my chest warmed, and I knew she wastheone woman I’d want for much longer than two weeks.

“Well, this is me,” Maya said, pointing at a newish, white Kia SUV-type car.

The fact that it was a big, sturdy car gave me a strange sense of relief. I liked the idea that she would be safe while driving.

Beeping the lock, she opened the passenger door and threw her bag onto the seat before turning back to me. “I’ve had a great day,” she stated, leaning back against the car.

I moved closer, not ready to have a distance between us just yet, but knowing I had to go. Then, when she smiled at me, I knew I had to kiss her before I did, so placing my hands on the roof of the car I confined her with my arms.

“I don’t really want this day to end, but…”

“You have to go home for Maddy,” Maya said. While her smile was only faint, her words weren’t said with blame but stated. I was sure she understood, at least I hoped that she didbecause Maddy was the most important thing in my life. The most important person in my life.

“Can we meet up again?” she asked.

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