Page 46 of Fragile Touch (Fragile 1)
It didn’t. “I’ll give you two some alone time.”
“Please don’t make it sound so romantic.” Her blood suddenly took on a simmering state. Why was he being such a dick? Andrew was practically family.
“I didn’t mean to. When was the last time you two saw each other?”
She looked down. “Couple of years. Three, I think. Maybe four.”
“That’s a while. I’m sure you two have a lot to talk about.”
Probably him more than me. “I want you to stay.”
“We’ll see. Is he going to be here soon?”
“Any minute. Could you help me spread this quilt on the bed?”
Cayden took a corner and pulled it up to the pillows. “Just forget what I said. I’ve had endless energy since this morning and I just had a great session with my client. Don’t want to ruin the mood.”
“You said you were glad I approached you last night, right?”
He nodded.
“Same now. I’m glad you told me how you feel, to put it in ‘girl terms’.” As she took a last look at the room, she tried to put herself in his shoes. “It must suck a little bit to have put the label on this and the same day some other guy comes over.”
She waited for him to say something, but he didn’t. Walking around to the other side of the bed, she stood so close to him that his chest touched her chin when he inhaled. “I said yes because, no matter how much I want to pretend it’s not true, you’re inspiring me.”
Cayden put a hand on her waist. “How so?”
“I’m starting to learn the names of the flowers I’ve been drying for years.” She felt quite silly admitting it, and jokingly winced.
It brought a smile to Cayden’s face. “Is that it?”
“Easy, tiger. We just got started today.”
“You’ve already invited me to stay over. How scandalous.”
“Tonight is supposed to be cold. I’m worried about you over there all by yourself. At least I have the cats.”
A knock on the door interrupted their banter, and Lillian jumped.
“We’ll finish this later,” said Cayden, brushing a quick kiss on the top of her head. “You’re beginning to convince me to stay over.”
“Good.” Letting her eyes flit across his body, she sashayed out of the room and toward the front door. “Hurry up, Cayden!”
He smoothed his hair as Lillian opened the door. Her jaw dropped at the sight of Andrew standing there, half hidden behind a bouquet of flowers.
“She lives,” he said, beaming.
Tears filled her eyes. “Put that thing down,” she demanded, and as soon as he did she threw her arms around his shoulders. “Your voice still sounds the same,” she whispered, muted by her emotions.
“Thank goodness it does. I was worried I’d gone through puberty again since we last talked.” He patted her back and gently pulled away. “Well, introduce me to this fine gentleman!”
“Andrew,” Lillian sniffed, wiping her face with her sleeve. “This is Cayden. My...boyfriend.”
He didn’t notice her fumbling over the word or the fact that her face went bright cherry-red. Cayden’s had more color to it than usual at his new label, but didn’t let it faze him. “Andrew,” he stated firmly, extending his hand. Andrew was tall, but nowhere near as bulky as Cayden. “Good to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you and your sister.”
“All good things, I hope?”
“Don’t be stupid,” Lillian scolded, holding the bouquet against her chest. “These are so beautiful. Thank you.”
