Chapter 35
35
“That went well, I think,” Keith said as he pulled Michelle down beside him on the sofa, wrapping his arm around her.
“I’m sorry about Adam.”
“Don’t be. He was honest about his feelings. He loves you and seems to have appointed himself your protector since your husband passed away.”
“You can use his name. It’s Bill, and you’re right. But in Adam’s eyes, I’m to merely exist since Bill’s death. I’m not to live.” She laid her head on his shoulder. “And that’s not me.”
“You’re far too young to be put out to pasture, Michelle.”
“I know.” She placed her hand on his chest. “They did make valid points tonight.”
“Like what?”
“You’ll leave once filming is done.”
“That’s why I’m pushing, even though I told you I wouldn’t. We only have five weeks for us to be on solid footing. Five weeks for me to make you fall madly in love with me.”
She giggled. “Wow, those are lofty goals.”
He pushed her away so he could look into her eyes. “You were correct tonight at dinner. At our age, we know what we do and don’t want. I want a woman who wants me for me, not for what I do for a living. You admitted you want that too at dinner, so I believe we want the same thing.”
“I want a man who can love me for me. Not try to make me into someone I’m not. And I come with a lot of baggage.”
“No more than me.” He cupped the side of her face and stroked his thumb over her cheek. “I know you don’t like talking about your life with Bill, but, honey, that’s a big part of who you are. I’d hate to think that you could stop loving him just because he died. I hope your heart is big enough for both of us.”
A tear streaked down her face. “It is.” She turned to kiss his palm. “Thank you.”
He leaned down and kissed her tears away before planting a soft kiss on her lips. The first kiss that he’d attempted to take past chaste. She granted the permission he’d requested, allowing them the intimacy they both longed for. A closeness that promised a future with the simplest of acts. When they pulled apart, an understanding passed between them—they wanted a future.
“What’s on your schedule this week?” he asked.
“Working on my current manuscript. I’m close to finishing it, so now there are deadlines to meet. My agent is expecting it in eight weeks.”
“Will you make the deadline?”
“I should.”
“When will it release?”
“Around Valentine’s week, which I think will be perfect for this story.”
“What’s it about?”
“Sorry, if I tell you, I’ll have to kill you. And I’m becoming fond of you. I don’t want to do that.” She laughed.
“I see how it is. Will you ever tell me about your stories?”
“I don’t know. But this one is a bit personal for me.”
“Then I’ll let you keep your secret.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
“You’re welcome.” He kissed the top of her head.
“What’s your filming schedule like this week?”
“I have another sunrise shoot in the morning, and then I think we change locations this week. I believe we’re at the Biltmore Estate. I’d like to see you when we’re here.”
“I’d love that. You can come here if it’s easier.”
“I like that idea.”
A tap on the door jamb caused Keith to jerk his head around.
“I hate to interrupt, but it’s getting late, and we have a long drive. Your call sheet has you reporting at six again.”
“Thank you, Chip. You’re right.” Keith rubbed Michelle’s arm. “I’m sorry. I don’t want to leave, but I must.”
“I know.”
He stood and pulled Michelle to her feet. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“Text me when you get in?”
“It’ll be late. You won’t be awake.”
“Doesn’t matter. I want to know.”
“Your wish is my command.” He gently kissed her lips before she walked him to the door.
“Good night, guys,” Michelle said to Chip and Max.
“We’ll be in the truck, Keith,” Chip said as they closed the door.
“Is it just me, or does this feel like I’m a schoolboy leaving his girl at the end of the night. It’s been years since I’ve done this.”
“You usually stay the night.” It was a statement of fact, not a question.
“Or she’d stay with me before I was married, but you’re different. We’re different. The anticipation is building and making it harder to leave you. I’m looking forward to the night when I don’t.”
Michelle’s heart raced. Her bottom lip slid between her teeth. “Me too, but we’ll get there when the time is right.”
“Yes, we will.” He pulled her in for a hug and kissed her with everything in him. “Sweet dreams,” he said as he backed away.
“You too.” She opened the door for him to leave, knowing she didn’t want him to go.