Page 217 of Keep This Promise
“Mama James said we can stop by tomorrow.”
“I want to go now,” she says with wide eyes.
Holden’s shoulders droop. “All right. We can stop by there today.”
I look at him, a smirk on my lips. “You gave in awfully quick.”
“Did you see those eyes?”
“Yes, and you’re going to have to resist them,” I tell him.
The last thing we need is Eden getting her way all the time.
“I have a hard time resisting either of you.”
My stomach flips at that. Since the night in his office, Holden has not made any advances when it comes to us. We’ve shared a few sweet kisses, but that’s it. I am not sure if I am happy or upset by that. He’s doing as I asked and taking it slow, yet I wouldn’t mind just a bit faster.
“I think you’ve done quite well resisting,” I tease, hoping he will take the bait.
“Did you want me to havelesswillpower?”
I shrug. “Maybe just a little.”
“Mummy, what’s willpower?” Eden asks, and we both chuckle.
“Nothing, darling.”
Holden scoops her up, and we head out the door. We are halfway to the elevator when I hear my name being called.
“Sophie!” I turn to see Stephen heading toward us.
“How do you know Stephen?” Holden asks warily.
“I met him the first night we were here. I was sitting outside getting air.”
Before I can elaborate, he is in front of us. “Stephen,” Holden says as he shifts Eden to his other side.
“Holden, good to see you.”
Holden doesn’t reply. I can feel the tension building. “It’s nice to see you, Stephen. Are you here for a patient?”
He nods. “Yes, Alta Day, actually. She had a knitting accident, which I didn’t even know was a thing.”
“Is she all right?” Holden asks and then turns to me. “She’s a close friend of Mama James.”
“Oh no!”
“She’s fine,” Stephen offers. “The ride here she chastised me for my hair being past my ears. Then it moved on to the car I drive and how loud it is going down the road and how I should find a way to make it more appealing to the ear, whatever that means. She cut her hand pretty good, but I don’t think it’ll require stitches.”
Holden chuckles. “I’ll make sure I check on her later.”
“How is your daughter?” Stephen asks, looking at Eden.
“Better, thank you,” I say. “We’re heading home now.”
Stephen looks to Holden. “Oh, are you . . .”
“Yes. I am.” Holden’s tone brokers no argument.
