Page 58 of The Payback Adventure
“I love it.” She sighed, feeling happier than she had in so long. “Today has been such a great day.”
“I hope it’s the first of many.”
“I don’t think that’s possible.”
He stared at her, and more tingles formed in her stomach. “Anything is possible.”
“I hope so,” she said wistfully. If he stayed…
“I know so.”
She didn’t know what he meant by that, and she was afraid to ask in case his answer spoiled the mood.
Silence surrounded them. She waited for it to become uncomfortable, but that didn’t happen. The quiet seemed natural, welcoming, and soothing.
Henry shifted on the swing. “The only thing missing is music.”
“And dancing.”
He nodded.
“You know, a little music would be a nice way to end the night.” She bit her lip. “Would you please sing that song you always sing in the shower?”
He drew his brows together. “I didn’t know you could hear me.”
“Only sometimes.” She liked how he seemed a little embarrassed. She didn’t feel so vulnerable when he was, too. “The kids don’t like it when they can’t hear you.”
His smile reached all the way to his eyes, giving her the good kind of chills. “I’ll make sure I sing loud enough for my audience from now on.”
“That’ll make them happy.”
His gaze captured hers. “And you?”
A kiss would make her happier. “And me, too.”
A beat passed. Then another. A guarded expression crossed his face, and his eyes darkened. Slowly, he rose and extended his arm. “May I have this dance?”
“Dance?”
He motioned to the yard. “Underneath the stars.”
So romantic. Her pulse sped up. She wanted this, but a part of her was worried about letting herself get too carried away. Henry would be leaving, logic reminded.
But he was here now, her heart countered.
“What about music?” she asked.
“You asked me to sing.” He bowed. “Your wish is my command.”
Excitement rippled through her, washing away her reluctance. It was only a dance, and she’d wished to let go of real life one night. Elisabeth took hold of Henry’s hand.
He led her down the porch stairs to the front yard and placed his other hand on her waist. As he sang “What a Wonderful World,” they danced. He wasn’t Louis Armstrong, but Henry’s voice sent shivery tingles down her spine that joined the ones already in her stomach.
Believing the words he sang wasn’t hard to do. Everything seemed wonderful tonight. The stars, the moonlight, Henry. This was the stuff dreams were made of. How could she ever thank him?
A kiss?
Too bad the kiss she had in mind wouldn’t be one of gratitude. She looked away from his lips.
