CHAPTER 12
When CC entered the office, she headed straight for the desk, found the paperwork she needed and then stopped abruptly, looking at the door. She wasn't ready to face him. Why does this keep happening? She asked herself.
She moved to the green love seat and sat down. She breathed deeply, trying to get her body under control with all of the adrenaline still rushing through her. She hated having time to think. Especially about him. Especially if it had nothing to do with cooking up really good zingers.
Oh God! A sudden thought occurred to her. What if this was a joke? He's messing with me! He's the one who insinuated something less innocent when I said he was drunk. He's the one whose lips touched my skin first. He's the one who ended it abruptly...What was I thinking?!
CC stood, suddenly angry with herself for thinking she could trust her own feelings. Babcocks weren't bred to act on impulse that way. She stormed through the office door, papers in hand. She expected to see him in the living room but he wasn't there. Neither was the brandy.
Kitchen!
She galloped to the heart of the home. Funny how he was always there...
When she peered in quietly, he was merely sitting at the kitchen table, staring at his hands. "Miss Babcock..." He whispered to the table.
"What!"
Niles jumped. "Oh, um. Did you get what you were looking for?"
"... I. I'm leaving now. Lock up behind me?" She said and pushed through the swinging door.
He grabbed the limo keys and ran to open the front door for her. Would you like me to drive you?"
She looked at him and he could tell she was questioning his motives.
He held out the keys. "Or you could take the limo and bring it back tomorrow."
CC looked at the keys, still unsure of him.
He felt uncomfortable whenever she went quiet. "Unless you have your broom parked outside?" He half smiled, wondering if that's what she was waiting for: a little normalcy or routine, a little familiarity.
She took the keys from his hand, looked into his eyes, smirked and retorted, "Not in this dress."
They both hesitated for a moment then with a slight nod, she quietly greeted him. "... Bellboy."
She turned and left and took his heart with her. As he shut the door and locked it, he pulled out his handkerchief and attempted to wipe the spot where he had felt her lipstick stick to his mouth. He suddenly caught himself wondering whether McMann had done the same that night... Whether McMann was responsible for her being in the mood when she saw him. Suddenly the moment seemed ruined.