Part 2
Her words are quiet yet they ring in the pellucid air like bells.
Time spins out. He is completely still. She holds his gaze, waiting. Everything turns on his next word.
She suddenly realizes that she hadn't told him the one thing that he needs to know. She holds up a finger, "I forgot to give you a vital piece of evidence." He quirks an eyebrow. "I care for you. A lot. More than a lot. Just so you know."
He nods then continues to study her face. He isn't looking away. He hasn't pulled his hand from hers. She holds her breath and waits. Finally she says, "Soon, please?"
He seems to wake, "Right. Right. To answer your question… yes." Now his eyes drop and he runs a hand through his hair, "But, Camille…"
She sighs mightily, letting go of all her tension and fear. He said yes! One baby step. OK, now for the next. She holds up a finger again, "A little? Or a lot?" His face twists in pain. "The truth now. This is important."
"The truth? OK, the truth. A lot." She can tell how much those few words cost him.
"Richard, oh, Richard… thank you. That's all I need to know. Will you wait here? Right here! I'll be right back. Don't you move!" She dares greatly and kisses him lightly, quickly, on the lips. She flees back to the light, wings on her heels, and makes her excuses to the man. Running back, she is suddenly sure he will be gone. But he hasn't moved. He watches her approach with the strangest look on his face.
Slamming to a stop in front of him, she suddenly feels uncertain, "What? Am I a mess?" She pats her hair and her dress, checking.
He shakes his head, "The truth? No, you still look stunning. And something more…"
God help her, she feels shy! Like a teenage girl, heart in her throat, stomach flip-flopping, heat rising up in her face, "More?"
He takes a deep breath and her hand, "I have to believe your astonishing statement. You would never lie to me, would you?" She shakes her head. He slowly says, "So, to recap… you care for me… a lot. I… I care for you… a lot. And now we're standing here in the moonlight… holding hands."
She smiles in relief and takes his other hand. They face each other. "Are you OK?" she asks.
"In shock, more like."
"I wish I'd told you sooner."
"SOONER? Good god, how long has this been going ON?!"
She looks up into those delightful eyes, "A long time. Can I have another kiss?"
He is so still! She can only imagine what thoughts and feelings are whirling around inside his head. Please, let him free up, just a little! If he kisses me, it will be the next baby step.
END – part 2