Page 61 of The Candlemaker

“Oh, secretive? Sounds dangerous.”

“Oh no.” I waved my hand. “I’m pretty sure he’s harmless.”

That definitely elicited a soft growl from the muscled shadow clinging to the wall.

“So, how did it end?”

My mouth opened and shut. Was I really gossiping about my first fake date with the guy’s mother?

Yes, I guess I was. If that was what it took to keep her calm.

“He kissed me good night.”

“So, you determined his intentions were good, then?” she asked, and before I had to figure out an answer to that, she followed it with, “Was it a good kiss?”

I choked—again—on air, and I was pretty sure the fire department should be called for the flames licking at my cheeks. I didn’t want to answer either of those questions. The first, because I shouldn’t reveal that information to her. The second, because I shouldn’t reveal that truth in front of Chandler.

“You can always tell by the kiss,” Laura went on blithely,ignoring my near-death attempt to breathe and my lack of response.

“Tell what?” I probed—anything to get out of answering.

“If it’s going to be something special.” Her voice turned wistful, and her attention drifted to the frames of butterflies hanging on the far wall.

It gave me the second I needed to collect myself and gently put an end to the conversation.

“I don’t think we’re going to see each other again.”

“Oh, that would be unfortunate.” She reached out and gripped my hands, pulling them to her. “You should really try to see him again. If the kiss was good…if it was special.” Her hold was surprisingly strong, and so was her earnestness. Later, I’d claim that was why I didn’t correct her before she went on. “Take it from me. Don’t let a chance at happiness and love slip through your fingers.”

My jaw went slack, and I fumbled to reply, “No, I wouldn’t want to do that.” I gave her fingers a squeeze. “I have to get going back to my shop, and I think the doctor is here with your medications.”

I glanced at the crowd in the doorway, the doctor who’d stopped me taking the invitation to enter the room.

“It was lovely talking with you,” Laura said and stood with me. “Thank you again for the candle.”

“Don’t thank me. Thank your son.” My gaze darted to Chandler for the first time since he’d opened the door, and I found his expression unreadable.

“Please,” she begged. “Try to see him again.”

My head snapped back, and I had to remind myself she didn’t know thathewas her son.

“Okay.” I nodded and told myself I agreed only because the doctor was waiting.

But I also couldn’t say no. Not when she looked at me likethat. It was the same look Gigi had when she demanded I come to dinner. And it made me feel the same way.Like I’d do anything for my family.

I released her hands and moved back so the doctor could step in. When she did, Chandler moved from the shadows, his mouth in a firm line.

“Mom…”

Now, it was my turn to watch their interaction from a distance—from the doorway into the room, my hand pressed to the frame.

As soon as she saw him, the soft expression on her face soured.

“Don’t come back, Geoff. I don’t want you here,” she said, her mind slipping again.

Her words flayed him alive, but like the powerful man he was, he didn’t even flinch. He took every hit like he deserved it—like he’d withstand it all for her.For the few moments when she was lucid and remembered him again.

“Thank you,” I heard him mutter to the doctor and two nurses, the one helping his mom and the other cleaning up the broken glass.

---