Chapter 3

Sharon had hidden in the restroom for a good ten minutes. When she heard the dull roar of the crowd and the faded notes of music through the walls, she figured the show had started and it was safe to make her escape. She planned to catch a rideshare and text Rey that she wasn't feeling well and to just come home when he was through.

She was looking down at her phone at the rideshare app as she exited the ladies room and ran smack dab into someone. The collision knocked her off balance and she began to fall backwards but was caught in the knick of time by two arms wrapping around her body.

Once the shock of nearly falling wore off, Sharon became aware of just whose arms held her close.

Immediately, her traitorous body came alive as Adam asked in a soft, concerned voice if she was okay.

Sharon tried to talk, but no words would come out, so she just nodded.

Sharon brought her hands up to Adam's biceps to steady herself, but made no effort to push him away.

Conversely, Adam made no effort to release her.

So, they stood there motionless, fused together, staring into each other's eyes.

The sound of applause in the event hall jolted Sharon back to reality and lightly pushed against him as she stepped backward out of his warm embrace.

Adam cleared his throat as Sharon swiped an errant strand of hair from her face.

He bent down and picked up her phone as she took another giant step back to put more distance between them.

As Adam stood, he looked at the screen. He must have noticed her app because he said, "If you want to leave, I can have one of our cars take you home."

Sharon considered refusing his offer but then realized that doing so would make her have to be at the hotel at least another fifteen minutes, which would make her "not feeling well" excuse less powerful. "Really?"

"Yeah. I mean, if you aren't feeling well, you shouldn't have to wait around for a ride share."

Adam didn't even wait for a response. He walked over to the front door and stepped outside. A moment later, he came back in and waved for her to come over.

When she was out front, he said, "The valet is calling one of our cars. It will be out for you in a minute."

Adam then brushed by her, which sent little tingles up her arm, and headed inside without another word.

He knew how hard tonight was for her. Rather than torture her slowly by forcing her to sit through it, he facilitated her escape.

Once Sharon was safely ensconced in the shaded towncar, she let the tears fall.

If that wasn't love, what was?