Page 53 of Lessons in Touch

"The best relationships usually are." He doesn't push, but I can tell he's filing my reaction away. "Just be careful, Rose. You're in a vulnerable position right now. Some people might try to take advantage of that."

His words make me uncomfortable, even though I know he means well. "I can take care of myself."

"I'm sure you can. But you're also my cousin, and I care about what happens to you." He smiles to soften the seriousness of his words. "It's what family does."

It’s weird to have this complete stranger refer to himself as my family. But I guess he’s right.

As the evening winds down, Timothy walks me back to the limousine. "I had a wonderful time tonight," he says. "I hope I can see you at a family function again soon."

"I'd like that very much!"

He kisses my cheek in a brotherly way, something that takes me entirely by surprise. I’ve never had a brother or a cousin before.

"Call me if you need anything. I mean that. Family looks out for family."

“Thanks, Timothy! I will!”

The ride back to Wolfswood gives me time to process the evening. Timothy is everything I expected and more. He’s sophisticated, successful, and genuinely kind. It's strange to think I have family like him. And people who want to include me in their world.

But through all the introductions and conversations, I kept thinking about Gabriel. When Timothy asked about someone special, his face immediately came to my mind. When I looked around the ballroom, I wished he were there with me.

I miss him. Even after just one evening apart, I miss his presence. His voice. The way he looks at me as if I'm the most important person in the room.

The limousine drops me off at Wolfswood's main entrance. Most of the campus is dark. Of course, it's past midnight, and students are supposed to be in their rooms. But I don't go to my dormitory.

Instead, I walk across campus to the faculty wing. Gabriel's private rooms are on the top floor of the building. I’ve never been in this part of the campus before, but I know the way.

I take the elevator up and knock on his door. He opens almost immediately, as if he was waiting for me.

"Rose! My Cinderella! How was the ball?"

"It was wonderful. But I kept thinking about you."

He steps aside to let me in. His rooms are elegant and comfortable. There is a sitting area with a fireplace, a small kitchen, and a bedroom I can see through an open doorway.

"Are you hungry?" he asks me. "I ordered dinner, because I was waiting for you!!

"I'd love that. I had steak at the ball, but I wouldn’t mind eating again. This dress weighs a ton, and it’s taking all my strength to wear it!" I laugh.

The meal is everything I need right now. He ordered roasted chicken, vegetables, and wine.

“So, tell me about Timothy. I think I saw him once at a… party, let’s say. Anyway, what impression did he leave on you?”

“Wonderful but a little weird as well,” I reply.

“How so?”

“I think it was weird because, all of a sudden, I have an entirely new family. He acted like a big brother to me. And I loved that. But it is strange coming from, well… a stranger.”

“Yes, I get it. The psychology of all this must be a little difficult to take. But look on the bright side. The Devereauxs accepted you immediately, and that can only be a positive thing. And your cousin sounds impressive," Gabriel says.

"He is. He's everything I expected a Devereaux to be. He’s confident, successful, and charming. But also genuinely kind."

"That's not always a given with wealthy families."

I nod, thinking about some of the people I met tonight. "He asked if I was seeing someone."

Gabriel's fork pauses halfway to his mouth. "What did you tell him?"