Monty moved his head slightly and knotted his brows, as if he couldnt believe what she was asking. He waited a little too long before he finally replied. Well, I think you know that I like you very much.
Monty, I like you, too, but Im not sure what were feeling is the same thing. He started to open his mouth, but she shook her head. Please, this is difficult. Let me finish. She pulled her hands away from him, unable to touch him as she poured out her heart. Im worried that even though you think you like me, what you feel is because of what happened. You know, about your accident. What youre feeling is perfectly natural, but I think youve lifted me up on a pedestal far above where I belong. Im not an angel, and Im not a hero. Im just an ordinary person who was in the right place at the right time by G.o.ds design and timing.
The time he took to think about her words seemed like an eternity.
I know that, Cindy. Is it so impossible to believe I like you just for who you are?
She didnt know whether to believe him or not. Before she could think of an adequate response, he spoke again.
I did a lot of praying and a lot of soul-searching in the hospital and the time immediately following. I truly believe G.o.d Himself spared my life. You helped, as part of His plan, theres no doubt about that, but I believe that G.o.d planned both for you to be there at the right time and then for us to meet again. Youve got to believe me.
She wanted to believe him. Shed never wanted so much to believe anything in her life.
Is there anything else you wanted to talk to me about?
The backs of her eyes burned, but she held it back. No, she croaked out in a voice barely above a whisper. She wanted to believe that he was telling the truth and that all her worries and fears were for nothing, but she didnt know yet if she could.
Good. Now, lets see whats on television.
With shaking hands, Cindy lifted the remote and found a ridiculous show featuring peoples home videos. She couldnt handle anything that required her to think or follow a story line. In the background, they could hear Troys and Erins giggles and groans as they played Montys game.
Gently, Monty raised his left leg to rest on the coffee table, grimaced in apology, then tucked her beside him and laid his arm behind her on the back of the couch. She didnt snuggle in and he didnt push it, much to her relief. She still needed time to think, but not when they were together. Troys voice echoed from the den. I did it! I did it! I won!
Erin squealed with glee and applauded.
Cindy frowned, remembering the premise of the game. Troy had now succeeded in wiping himself off the face of cyber-earth. Monty grinned ear to ear, then gave her shoulder a gentle nudge. Hurry, and youll get to see the beautiful princess.
She opened her mouth to protest, but curiosity got the better of her. Without waiting for Monty, she ran to the den where Erin and Troy were still glued to the computer screen. A prison cage lowered over the blond Evil Overlord, and the dark-haired Handsome Prince entered the castle with a key obtained earlier in the game. He unlocked the door to the prison tower, and to the electronic version of a popular love ballad, out came a beautiful brown-haired princess in a long flowing gown. Cindy couldnt help but notice the princess was exactly equal in height to the prince. A fanfare of music sounded as they kissed, a curtain came down, and the words And they lived happily ever after floated across the screen. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Monty hobble in.
Erin and Troy applauded. Montys cheeks reddened, but he said nothing.
Wow! exclaimed Troy. Great game! Got any others?
Cindy couldnt stand it anymore. Troy, tell me, do you think any of those characters looked a teensy-weensy bit familiar?
What do you mean?
Cindy could almost see the gears in his head whirring as Troy looked at Montys face, tilted his head slightly, narrowed one eye, then grinned. Well, that prince might have looked a little familiar, eh, Monty? He winked. Monty blushed.
Anybody else? Cindy asked.
Cindy, there were only two characters in the game until the end. There was only the Prince and the bad guy. . . . His voice trailed off. He ran his fingers through his s.h.a.ggy blond hair. Wait a minute! He glanced to the screen, which only showed the words Princes Perils prominently against a forest background. He crossed his arms on his chest, and the corners of his mouth tipped up in a dawning grin. Was that bad guy who I think he was?
Monty started to snicker. Maybe there might have been a slight resemblance.
Troy burst out laughing. Id ask what I did to deserve that, but I think I know the answer. He paused to wipe his eyes as the two men shared a good laugh. I probably owe you an apology, but I think you got your revenge. Troy laughed again.
The corners of Montys mouth twitched. I guess youre not such a bad guy after all.
Troy twirled an imaginary mustache. Watch it, or Ill send my mighty dragon after your wretched hide.
Beware, vile knave, or I shall pierce your heart with my powerful sword!
Troy slapped both hands over his heart. You wound me, Sir! In the upgrade I shall return to avenge my honor!
Cindy groaned. Enough!
Troy grinned. So, got any more?
Fourteen.
Monty stood next to his car with Cindy at his side as he prepared to go home. While the evening hadnt gone quite the way he had hoped, he now knew what was bothering her.
Hed never experienced such a rush of emotion or a loss of control as when Cindy returned his embrace and his kiss. If it hadnt been for Erin and Troys untimely arrival, he would have poured out his heart and told Cindy how much he loved her. Knowing now what he didnt know then, he felt it was best that hadnt happened.
To his delight shed told him, without prompting, that she at least liked him. Her concern in trying to protect him from his own possible misconceptions, despite the fact that she worried needlessly, made him love her even more.
He remained standing alongside his car and brushed Cindys cheek with his fingertips. At his touch, her eyes drifted shut. If they hadnt been standing in the middle of the street for the whole neighborhood to see, he would have kissed her again. Will I see you tomorrow? he asked in a voice almost too husky to be his own.
Sure. Tomorrows Sat.u.r.day. I dont have any plans. What do you have in mind?
Can I make you supper? Im really quite a good cook.
Her eyes opened and she smiled at him, magnifying his desire to kiss her. Id like that. But only if youre up to it.
He would have run a marathon for her at that moment. Im only going to be in my own kitchen. Its been a week. Ill be okay. I want to do something special for you.
Her smile warmed him all the way to his soul.
See you tomorrow, Monty.
He couldnt stop himself. He leaned over and gave her a gentle kiss that was over far too quickly. Good night, Cindy.
Monty bit back a smile when Cindy walked into his kitchen. First she scanned the clean counter, then she studied the drain board as if she couldnt believe that hed actually cooked the meal himself. Hed almost managed to dry and put away the utensils hed used because he didnt want her volunteering to help wash and dry dishes, but she had arrived a bit early.
Otherwise, he was prepared. Soft music played in the background, and for a special touch, hed set the dining room table, complete with place mats, candles, and a vase containing three roses, one yellow, one white, and one red, which he would insist she take home.
Hi. He couldnt suppress his grin as she finished her scrutiny of the kitchen and guiltily returned eye contact. Dinner will be ready in another half an hour.
Something smells delicious. Am I allowed to ask what youve made?
Chicken cordon-bleu, au gratin potatoes, asparagus, and a green salad.
You made that? Youre not just reheating it?
I told you, Im a good cook. Would you like something to drink? Coffee? Tea? Juice?
Coffee would be nice.
Monty flipped the switch on the coffee machine, then escorted her into the living room.
Wheres your cane? Are you sure youre ready for that?
Im trying my best not to use it tonight. Im going to be slow and careful. He forced himself to smile. And lean on the walls a lot.
As they sat together on the couch, Monty had a closer look at Cindy. Are you okay? You look a little pale. Youre not coming down with something, are you?
Immediately, her cheeks darkened. No, she mumbled, Im fine. It must be the light.
He didnt think so, because unless it was his imagination, she also had dark circles under her eyes, but he let the subject drop.
When the coffee was ready, she followed him back to the kitchen, but instead of going back to the living room, she lingered. Are you sure theres nothing I can do? Ive never had a man cook dinner for me, and I feel kind of strange about it.
Monty smiled. He wanted tonight to be special, and now he knew it would be, in more ways than one. Everythings almost ready, dont worry.
It didnt take him long to serve dinner. Cindy stared at the plate before her in undisguised disbelief as he pushed her chair in for her. Are you sure none of this came out of a box?
I did all the cooking myself, honest. However, I must confess. Im not good with dessert. Dessert is just ordinary Jell-O and whipped cream.
I dont suppose its the spray stuff. You whipped it yourself?
I think youve got me there. Now lets eat.
Monty said a heartfelt prayer of thanks for the food and the company, and they both dug in. He kept conversation light and hoped she was having as wonderful an evening as he was.
My compliments to the chef, Cindy said as she dabbed her mouth with her napkin when the meal was done.
Monty grinned. Say that after the Jell-O.
Never mind. Im going to help you do the dishes. Do you want to wash or dry?
He frowned. Cindy, I have a dishwasher. Theres very little to do.
Indulge me. I insist.
The last thing he wanted was to put a damper on the evening. Ill wash, he mumbled. That way he could lean against the counter and take some of his weight off his leg, and she wouldnt notice how he was struggling not to use the cane.
As they progressed, Cindy became increasingly quieter, and her face continued to whiten.
Were almost done. I can finish up. You can wait for me in the living room.
Without speaking, Cindy nodded, tucked the dishtowel over the oven door handle, and left the kitchen, which confirmed his suspicions. He finished washing what little was there, left everything in the drain board, then hurried into the living room.
He discovered Cindy curled up in the corner of the couch and clutching a pillow into her stomach. All color had completely drained from her face. As soon as she saw him, she fumbled with the cushion, pretending she was going to put it behind her head all along.
Monty laid his palm on her forehead, but she wasnt warm. He sat beside her, quickly slipping on his gla.s.ses to examine her face. Youre really pale.
Its nothing. Maybe Im just tired.
You look like youre coming down with something.
As he sat beside her, she cringed back into the couch and squeezed her eyes shut. Im so embarra.s.sed. Ill be okay, really. Its, well, its, uh, really nothing. Its rather personal. Cindys cheeks flushed red. Ill be fine tomorrow. Really.
He could feel the heat in his face as her problem dawned on him. The flu he could handle. Female things were something hed never once had to deal with in his lifetime. The few women hed dated in recent years were too busy trying to impress him to show any weakness or vulnerability, especially with that.
Monty stroked her hair gently. Dont be embarra.s.sed. Is there something I can get for you? Would you like a cup of tea, perhaps? I must admit, I dont know what to do.
Cindy nodded. Soon Monty returned with a cup of hot tea, doing his best to walk very slowly and evenly so as not to spill it because of his uneven gait.
He placed it on the coffee table, then sat beside her. Before he had a chance to say anything, she turned to him, her eyes gla.s.sy. He cringed, hoping she wasnt going to have an attack of female hormones and start crying on him. He didnt know if he could take that.
Im so sorry to have spoiled your evening, Monty.
Nonsense, its not spoiled. Id planned for a quiet evening. Monty flipped on the television and pulled her in beside him. It wasnt exactly what he had in mind, but he would make the best of it. Last night, they had managed to clear one hurdle, and tonight he wanted to sit and talk to her in a quiet setting with no distractions, to explore where they were going with their blossoming relationship.
He didnt know much about women in general, but hed overheard snippets of conversation from enough men and heard enough PMS jokes to know this was probably not a good time to talk about emotional issues. Not all women would be affected that way, he knew, but this was too important to take any chances. He would wait. Besides, relaxing on the couch with Cindy nestled in his arms was a pleasant way to spend an evening.
Cindy pulled her knees up until she was curled into a ball and nestled her head into his chest. He felt sorry for her as she suffered, but part of him enjoyed the simple pleasure of holding her, sharing a casual togetherness in the quiet of the evening.
He wondered if this was what it would be like if they got married and settled into a daily routine. A comfortable end to a hectic day.
Monty blinked hard and stared blankly at the television, then tried to figure out how much of the program he had missed, daydreaming.
He turned his head, about to ask if she wanted another cup of tea, but Cindys eyes were closed. Her whole body was limp, her breathing slow and even. Gently, he nestled a soft kiss through the hair on her forehead. This indeed was the future he wanted.
Doing his best not to move Cindy too much, he reached for the remote control, flicked off the television, and flicked the CD on to whatever had been playing before supper. Monty closed his eyes to enjoy the quiet music and the warmth of the woman in his arms.
Monty slowly became aware of a soft movement. His eyes sprang open to discover Cindy snuggled in beside him on the couch, just waking up herself. A quick check of the time showed it was after midnight.
She blinked repeatedly, but said nothing.
He leaned back to let her disengage herself. I think we both fell asleep. I guess that show wasnt as exciting as I thought it would be.
Excuse me for a minute. She ran off to the washroom, which gave Monty the time he needed to wake up and to give himself a mental kick. How could he have fallen asleep?
He managed to collect his wits by the time she returned, but barely.