Chapter 22 Bill
twenty-two
Bill
The cobblestones crunch with more new snow that arrived early this morning, but it does nothing to slow us down as we stroll hand in hand through the winding streets of Old Québec.
I’ve been here many times, but it’s never been as exciting as this time.
I love the way Ruth’s eyes light up at every corner.
It feels like I’m seeing the city again for the first time through her eyes.
“On today’s guided tour,” I tease as I gesture forward, “you will see a chocolate shop and a bookstore on this side of the street, and an art gallery over here.”
She laughs, nudging me with her elbow. “I vote for all the snack places.”
“Like seriously?” I mock shock as I stare at her. “I saw you lick that breakfast platter clean. How are you hungry?”
“I didn’t lick it!” she bites back, but her laughter takes over. I can’t help but join her. Her gaze shifts to the window next to us. It’s a clothing boutique with a couple of mannequins wearing short dresses. “Those are beautiful but they’re certainly not right for this weather.”
I grin. “You could always pick them up and keep them on hand for our trip to Hawaii.”
She rolls her eyes but squeezes my palm, making my heart flutter in full throttle. “Oh look.” She points way ahead to the hill where the Chateau Frontenac is. “What is that castle?”
“It’s a hotel.” I pull her forward. “Come on. Let’s take a selfie of us kissing in front of it.”
She grins at me, cheeks flushing from the cold and maybe something more. “That’s a little bold.”
“I didn’t get where I am today by being shy.
” I retrieve my phone to prepare it as we stride uphill, until the city is mostly below us.
She’s practically glowing when we stop. “Let’s not waste a perfectly good photo opportunity.
” I flash her my best flirty smile as I wrap my arm around her waist and draw her toward me.
Her body seems to melt into mine, and I hold my other arm out to capture our selfie as I lean in and steal a sweet and tender kiss from her lips.
She laughs as I pull away and slide my phone in front of her to show her. “That’s going to be my wallpaper for sure.”
“I didn’t know you were such a romantic.” She gives me a side-eye as we turn to walk forward again. Our hands slide around each other like they don’t know another way to be.
“I’m not really,” I say, my voice coming out quieter than I mean it to.
“It’s more what you do to me.” The words leave my mouth before I can overthink them.
Her shoulder rubs against mine like it’s an accident, but we both know it’s not.
There’s magnetism between us when we are together that’s too hard to fight.
My heart beats in uneven bursts, sending little flutters through my whole chest. I welcome the sight of a street vendor, and I step to the side without saying anything, pretending I’m curious.
She joins me next to the displays of touristy items. It’s everything from keychains to shot glasses, and my gaze fixes on a row of beaded bracelets.
There’s every color of the rainbow, and I thumb through them until I find the perfect pink to match her coat.
With a smirk, I hold it up to her like an offering. “You need this.”
“Wow, first chocolate for breakfast, then fairy-tale kisses, and now jewelry? It’s not even noon yet.”
“So, that’s a yes, I can buy this for you?” I wink and hand the bracelet to the vendor. I slip my card out of my wallet and slide that over to him as well, then turn back to her with a flirty grin.
“How can I say no?” She sighs as she squeezes my hand, and the vendor passes the bracelet and my card back to me.
Tucking my card in my pocket, I turn to her and hold up the bracelet. “May I put it on you?”
“Of course.” She holds up her arm, pushing up the sleeve of her coat, and her fingers brush mine as I join the clasp together. That small contact of her skin sends a jolt straight to my heart.
Maybe it is the city.
But something is happening.
It’s clear we are both experiencing it, as we can’t stop smiling or finding reasons to accidentally touch each other. We link arms, continuing our stroll through all the street vendors on the block. It’s past noon before I spot a little place to eat at the corner. “Doesn’t that look neat?”
“Yeah.” She nods as she looks back at me. “They look like they’d have great appetizers.”
I laugh as I take that as she wants to go, and I smile at her. “Lead the way.”