Page 22 of Wicked Deceptions
“Yes, I believe it is the northernmost city in England.”
He chuckles. “I believe it is.”
The conversation goes quiet as we continue to eat our meal. Then, out of the blue, he says, “I want to apologize, Katie, for not getting together with you sooner.”
“It’s all right,” I say, the lies continuing.
He shakes his head. “No, it is not. And please don’t think it was because of my lack of interest in you, because that is the furthest thing from the truth. I have been really busy with work. There are some big changes brewing, and when everything is finalized, the Germans won’t know what hit them.”
“Oh, do tell!”
“Now, Katie, you’ve worked for the Admiralty long enough to know I can’t divulge those secrets, even to you.”
I offer a halfhearted smile. “I know.” I hope that by smiling he will not see the depths of my disappointment, but I can’t help feeling he doesn’t trust me.He probably shouldn’t trust me. But I don’t tell him that.
“Don’t be sad, dear. When the changes happen, you will understand why I can’t tell you now.”
I guess I wasn’t very good at hiding it. I nod and continue to eat my meal.
“So can I see you again?”
“Oh yes, Ben, I would like that very much. I’ve had such a wonderful time today. I really wasn’t looking forward to shopping today, and you made it most enjoyable.” Finally, some truth.
The pianist in the restaurant comes out and plays “If You Were the Only Girl in the World,” and Ben sings along quietly. His voice is beautiful, and it feels like he is singing the words directly to me. I swoon. I really can’t help it. I tried not to like him, but he makes it so hard.
We listen to the music for a while and then Ben pays the bill. I don’t even want to think about what our meal cost him; it has to be really expensive. But it doesn’t seem to bother him when he tells our waiter to put it on his account, and he readily signs the check.
It’s getting late. The curfew goes into effect in less than an hour. We leave the restaurant and walk to his motorcar. I lovehis car. Not many have the luxury ofowning a motorcar,but when you come from British nobility, I assume that comes with the territory.I’ve ridden in a few motorcars along with way, but this one by far surpasses all of them. He opens the passenger side door for me and takes my hand as I get in. He’s such a gentleman. We drive to my flat, and I wait for him to get out and open my door, which he does, and then he walks me to my entryway.
“I had a lovely time with you today and tonight, Katie,” he says.
“Thank you. I did too.”
He leans in and pulls me into his arms, burying his head in my hair. He embraces me with a fierceness that seems to take hold of us both. I wrap my arms around him and return his embrace with my own. We slightly part, and he hesitates for a minute and then asks, “May I kiss you?”
I smile. “Yes, please.” I’m breathless at our closeness, and all I can think about is his lips pressed against mine. It’s been so long since I felt a man’s lips against my own, I find myself craving it with him.
He looks into my eyes and then moves his glance to my lips. His eyes grow dark, and my insides flutter. I haven’t felt this way in a very long time. My lips slightly part in anticipation of his kiss. He desperately whispers, “Katie,” and then moves in and claims my lips. He’s gentle at first, but when I move my arms up around his neck to pull him closer, he groans and deepens the kiss.
I swear my entire body is melting against him. He continues to take possession of my lips, and I continue to allow him. I don’t want this moment to end, and unfortunately, our lips part sooner than I like.
“Katie,” he whispers again, breathless. “I must go.”
I frown.
“Not because I want to, my dear, but I have a late meeting with Churchill that I can’t miss.”
“I understand,” I say sadly. I can’t hide my disappointment. I’m not afraid for him to know I want to stand on this stoop all night and kiss him.
“May I call on you tomorrow?”
“Yes.”
He smiles. “Until tomorrow. Now get yourself safely inside. I’ll wait.”
I nod and turn toward the door. I open it, then turn back toward him. “Until tomorrow, Ben.”
He smiles. I turn back around and make my way inside. I watch him from the window as he lingers for a moment and then turns to leave.
