Page 87 of Until I Have You

He presses the call button, then steps back.He glances my way, probably thinks I’m stranger, then does a double take when he realizes it’s me.

Neither of us speaks as I approach him.“Is she asleep?”

“Out like a light.”

Indeed, she is so asleep her mouth is slack, face smushed onto his shoulder.

So, I decide to be bold.I take his hand.

His touch overwhelms me, my brain short circuiting when he grips my hand in return.

“I’ve missed you,” I say softly.

The elevator door opens.

Theo glances at it but lets it close.“You have no idea how I’ve missed you, Abigail.”

I move a bit closer.

He looks around.“You can’t.Not here.”

“Just one.It’s been weeks.”

Theo’s brow tightens, like resistance is actually pain.“I know.I’ve counted down the days.”

A smile blooms on my face.“Me too.”

He smiles back.

“One,” I plead.

Theo leans in and kisses my mouth for only a moment.But it is enough to remind me of everything we have together.

“I have to get her to bed,” he whispers.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.”I take a step back.

Sonia’s voice comes from behind me.“Going up?”

I leap out of my skin and whip around to see Sonia at the mouth of the hall.She’s smiling, not in a knowing way.I think we might have lucked out.

“Yes, bedtime,” Theo says without missing a beat.“For the both of us.”

My father emerges from the restaurant, and I hold my breath even tighter.

“Just wanted to say goodnight to the twins before I go out,” Sonia says.“You’re joining us, right, Abigail?”She looks at the elevator call button and realizes it hasn’t been pressed.

I press it hurriedly.“Yep.Was just going to say goodnight to Bonnie, but she’s, well, you can see for yourself.”I gesture toward Bonnie and Theo.“Anyway…”

Dad sighs, sated.“Who would have thought our girls would be the best of friends, Dory, hm?”

“Yes, they are a very dear pair,” Theo says, his voice resonant in his chest.

He means it.We are a dear pair.Does that mean perhaps I am dear to him too?

The elevator door slides open.I step out of the way.“Have a good night.”

Theo gives me a delicate nod as he enters the elevator.“You, too.”

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