In the darkness of the gallery, she took her key from her purse. She looked up into his face. “You’re a gentleman. You’re kind and strong, and you respect women. Those things are not lost on a woman.” “I didn’t quite get that.” “If you need to go, I understand. I just want you to know you’re always welcome here and that I appreciate your gentlemanly ways.” When he spoke, he felt as though he had swallowed a pebble. “I’d love to come in.” Inside, she closed the blinds and turned on a light in a back hallway. “This way.” In the bedroom, the wood floor creaked under his weight as he approached
...more
