A Family of Their Own - By Gail Gaymer Martin Page 0,28
to get home.”
Lucy would be asleep by now, Kelsey guessed.
Ross motioned to the waitress and after he’d settled the bill, they rose and stepped out into the chilly air. Kelsey tilted her head upward. Only a faint glow from the moon’s edge tinged the sky, but the stars seemed to glow more brightly.
Ross slipped his arm around her back and guided her to his minivan. When she settled inside, he closed the door. The evening rolled through her mind, the dark moments first but then a lovely ending. Though apprehension hadn’t left her, hope grew and wishes multiplied. She could learn to enjoy a man’s company again. A taste of it tonight assured her of that.
Ross slipped into the driver’s seat and started the engine, but before he shifted into gear, he slipped his hand over hers. “I hope you enjoyed yourself tonight. I know I did.”
“It’s been really nice. I had a wonderful time.”
“Could we do this again? Just the two of us?”
“I think that could be arranged.” She warmed with his offer. Yes, she wanted to give this friendship, relationship, whatever it was, a try.
Talk of the girls returned as they drove home. Peyton’s attitude and Lucy’s exuberance were problems that could be resolved, she hoped. It wasn’t fair to Lucy, but she was a good girl and would understand. Peyton seemed old enough to know her limitations.
She gazed at Ross’s profile. Classic features fit him, a strong jawline, the hint of a dimple in his cheek, a wellshaped nose and eyes that said more than he did. Dancing, she’d felt the strength of his arms for the first time. His muscles flexed as he maneuvered her across the floor, and his broad back offered her security. He had strength yet a tenderness that embraced her heart.
Pulling herself from her thoughts, Kelsey observed Ross’s silence, too. He had been thoughtful as well, and she hoped his thoughts were as inviting as hers. He slowed the minivan and turned onto her street. An unexpected sense of solitude washed over her. She enjoyed his company. “You did nicely, sir.” She pointed to her watch. “I’m home before midnight.” But spending more time together would have been lovely, too.
“I don’t want to offend your timekeeper.” He chuckled and opened his door.
“Don’t get out. I can manage.”
His head drew back, and he arched a brow. “I always walk my dates to the door.” He tapped his finger against his temple. “I think I did. It’s been a long time.”
He made her smile as he slipped out and rounded the minivan to her door.
Kelsey stepped out, feeling Ross’s palm against her elbow. His hand slipped to hers as they headed for the porch. Except for a faint glow from the window, stars were their only light on the moonless night. He climbed the steps beside her, and when they paused at the door, her pulse charged up her arm.
Ross’s palm brushed her cheek. “We’ll do this again.”
“I’d enjoy that.” Her voice sounded strange, as if someone else were speaking.
His fingers slipped behind her neck, and she stopped breathing as she followed his lips as they drew close to hers. His warm breath swept across her as he lowered his mouth.
Suddenly, the porch light flooded them, and they sprang back as the door opened. “You’re home.”
Kelsey’s heart slipped to her toes as she focused on the elderly sitter. Her lips tingled with the brief touch of Ross’s mouth on hers. “Is everything okay?”
“No problems.” Marge’s gaze swept past hers, awareness registering on her face. She backed up, her stare swinging from Ross to Kelsey. Her eyes widened and she blinked. “Lucy went to bed a few minutes ago. She wanted to wait up and hear about your evening.”
Kelsey managed to grin at Ross. “Isn’t that cute?” In the awkward moment, she extended her hand to him. “Thanks for a wonderful time.”
His eyes had glazed, a flush of embarrassment on his face, and she was certain her cheeks glowed with mortification.
Ross gave her hand a squeeze. “It was.” Another awkward moment slithered past. “I’ll call you then.”
She nodded.
He backed away and bounded down the steps before turning with a wave. “Soon.”
Soon. Yes, she hoped very soon, but at the moment, she wanted to pulverize poor Marge.
Chapter Seven
Ross tossed the magazine onto the table beside him and eyed the wall clock. Disbelieving, he checked his watch. Only fifteen minutes had passed. He’d thought Peyton’s tests would be completed a half hour ago. He shifted his focus