Page 32 of Robert

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The sun came out that afternoon, at least a watery version of it, that did nothing to warm the place up. But it was enough to have them layering up to go for a walk after a very delicious meal of pork and beans.

He didn’t hold her hand, even though he was dying to. He had made love to her three times before forcing himself to stop. They had had their meals in bed and taken a shower together. He did not want to stop touching her.

He was ignoring the work he had brought with him, and he noticed she was not reaching for her briefcase either. Spendingthis time with her was precious and he did not want to waste a minute of it.

“Everything is so green and lush.” She breathed in the clean air. “I love going for a walk after the rain. It’s as if God just washed everything clean, just getting rid of the dirt and pollution.”

He gave her an amused look, his heart constricting as he stared her. She had donned a pair of faded denims tucked into knee-high boots and the emerald-green sweater was clinging to her curves.

He knew every inch of her body and it excited him that he had unlimited access to her and that he was the only one who did. Her hair was caught up into a haphazard ponytail, with tendrils escaping down her face and neck.

He loved to see her this way. She was not the unapproachable and aloof Sonya Beaumont; he was used to but seemed relaxed and carefree.

“Is that so?”

She glanced at him and smiled. “I know you don’t believe in that sort of thing.”

“I never said I didn’t,” he corrected. They had come to the spot where the river was rushing along, swollen by the heavy rains that had lasted an entire day.

“I just do not believe that a God who claims to love people would allow so much suffering in the world.” Giving into temptation, he took her hand in his and twined his fingers through hers. When she did not pull away, he heaved a silent sigh of relief. “And I had to work hard for what I have now.”

“You don’t believe that. He paved the way for you to gain wealth?”

Lifting their joined hands, he kissed the back of hers, eyes twinkling. “Can we agree to disagree?”

She nodded, not wanting to spoil the wonderful ambience. Very soon they would be getting back to their normal routine.

They would continue the charade for a while and hopefully they would still be seeing each other. She liked him a lot. It was not just the amazing sex that she wanted to continue having, but he had a sharp mind and was very intelligent. He also made her tingle all over by just looking at her.

“What are you thinking?” He asked her quietly.

“Just wondering why you’re still single.” She decided against telling him the truth. Tilting her head to one side, she studied his face. A lock of thick coffee brown hair had fallen over his forehead, and she had to resist the urge to brush it back.

“I never found anyone I wanted to be with,” he responded lightly.

“Holding out for Ms. Right?” She asked teasingly.

His eyes flickered slightly as he turned his head to look over the body of water churning away at breakneck speed.

When he did not respond immediately, she started to apologize.

“No,” he shook his head with a smile as he turned to look at her. “And yes, I was holding out for the right person.” You. He added silently.

“I hope you find her.”

I have. Only, she doesn’t know it yet.

“Ready to go back?” He asked when she shivered.

“Yes. It has gotten chillier than before.” Tilting her head, she gazed at the sky. “I think we are in for some more rain.”

“I believe you’re right.”

She loved the feel of his big hand enfolding hers as they made their careful way back to the cottage. He opened the door and ushered her in, closing and locking up for the night.

“I think I saw a tin of cocoa in the pantry. Would you like a cup?”

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