I stood in front of her, hesitating, then lifted her chin, and looked at her. Her eyes, once again, told me exactly what she was thinking. I could see the worry and apprehension in them. The new plan went right out the window and I found myself wanting to take those feelings away. This time it was me that leaned down and gently pressed my lips to hers. “Not in the way, Rabbit,” I whispered quietly. “Not even remotely in the way.”
I pulled away and made my way down the hall. Pausing, I turned around. She was sitting at the table with her fingers on her lips, staring at me. For a minute, we just stared. Then we both smiled and I went to have my shower, cursing my weakness when it came to her, yet remembering the softness of her lips on mine the whole time.
Omelettes and toast were waiting when I went back to the kitchen. Sitting down, I smiled as I looked at my plate.
“I hope you like omelettes?”
“Absolutely. Mine never look quite like this though.”
“Sorry?”
I laughed. “Mine tend to look more like scrambled eggs with lumps. Never quite figured out the turning and folding trick.”
I dug in and smiled at her again. “They certainly never taste like this either.”
“What do they taste like?”
“Um ... well, scrambled eggs with lumps, I suppose,” I chuckled.
She smiled and began eating. I was amazed at how comfortable it was to sit and share a meal with her. I was used to the silence surrounding me, and although I didn’t feel the need to fill the quiet with conversation, I did want to try and draw her out some more. I loved hearing the sweet timbre of her voice.
Rabbit spoke up before I could think of anything to say. “Do you think the next time you go to the barn I could go with you?”
I looked at her as I chewed another delicious mouthful. “Why?”
“I thought maybe if I saw the car, I might remember something.”
I nodded. “That’s a good idea. We’ll go out later. I remembered I have a satellite radio in the cupboard. We’ll turn it on after breakfast and see if we can get the local station. See what’s happening out in the world.”
“Okay.”
Nothing. There was nothing on the radio except warnings to stay off the roads and how extensive the storm was. It was expected to rage for at least another day, maybe longer. People were stranded at airports, train stations, all over the place. There were massive power outages and abandoned cars on the highways. But there was no announcement about a missing woman. Sitting beside her on the couch, I looked over at Rabbit, but I wasn’t sure what she was thinking. Her troubled eyes lifted to me.
“Sorry,” she whispered, before lowering her eyes again.
“Hey.” I leaned over and lifted her chin. ”We covered this last night, okay? You’re safe here. You aren`t disrupting anything.”
Her eyes remained troubled. Wanting to see her smile, I winked at her. “Besides, if you keep cooking like you have been? Maybe I’ll just keep you.”
Her quiet giggle made me smile and I watched her relax a little. Without any thought, my fingers stroked her soft cheek. Our eyes locked again and I could feel myself being drawn into the depths of her gaze. Slowly, I leaned forward, Rabbit meeting me halfway. Our mouths met sweetly, lips pressing and moving together. My hand wound itself into her hair, holding her close. Before we could get carried away, I pulled back, resting my forehead against hers. Neither of us said anything for a minute. I moved away and looked at her. Her gaze was questioning, but still warm.
I shook my head. I had no idea what there was about this woman that was causing the reactions I was having to her. But I needed to stop the responses. I reminded myself that nothing was going to happen between us.
I stood up abruptly. “Let’s go have a look in the garage, okay? See if that shakes anything in your memory.”
She stood up and accepted my proffered hand. But, I saw the flicker of sadness and confusion that passed across her face.
Knowing it was me that put it there, I hated it.
Chapter Seven
Joshua
I watched silently as Rabbit walked awkwardly around the car. I saw her study the license plate, her brow furrowed in concentration, but no sign of recognition passed over her features. I opened the driver’s side door and she gingerly sat down and again looked around slowly. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she struggled to get out. Leaning down, I helped her stand, then immediately dropped her hand. I had to stop touching her.
“Nothing?” I asked.
“No.”
We both stood looking at the car. “There are snow tires on it,” she observed.
“Yeah, I noticed that. That probably helped you stay on the road longer than you would have been able to.”
“Would the reading on the odometer help?”
I was impressed with her logical thinking. “No, the tank is pretty full and I think it was reset when you filled up. The mileage is about right for the distance from the closest town.”
“Oh. No receipt?”
I shook my head. “You probably paid cash. You know, from your last heist.”
Her lips twitched and I heard her sweet giggle. I smiled; glad the tension that had sat between us since we kissed had eased a little.