Page 13 of Tiffanie

“I do.”

The reality of her situation rebounded into her mind. “You should find another one, Phineas,” she whispered.

“Not happening, Little girl. Are you attracted to me?” he asked, holding her gaze. The hubbub of conversation around them in the busy diner faded into the background. Her world shrunk down to include only the two of them.

She paused, debating how to handle this. Finally, she nodded and whispered, “Yes.” She couldn’t lie to him.

“Then we’ll figure this out. I don’t plan on going anywhere. We will talk more about what’s happening with you when you’re ready to share, but for the moment, we’re going to enjoy each other’s company. Okay?”

“Okay,” she said, hopeful for the first time since the doctor had stopped her treatment.

“Then let’s eat.” He dipped one of the fries she’d placed on his plate in the gravy and held it out to her with a smile.

Something clicked into place inside her. She needed to pay attention to this magnetic man. He was important. Tiffanie reached out to take the treat he offered. Popping the coated fry into her mouth, Tiffanie chewed happily.

“How’s the food, folks?” their server dropped by to ask.

“Amazing,” Phineas answered. “Could you bring us an extra cup of gravy? We’ve discovered the joy of dipping everything in that goodness.”

“You’ve got it, sir.”

When she disappeared from view, Phineas asked, “What’s your favorite color, Princess? I want to learn all about you.”

“Blue,” she said, savoring their normal conversation.

He stared into her eyes for a few long seconds. She couldn’t tear her gaze from his as he told her, “You know, suddenly I love blue as well.”

Chapter Six

Phineas watched her carefully as they left the diner. When Tiffanie stumbled, he wrapped his hand around her elbow, stabilizing the precious woman at his side. This was different from her nervous lack of coordination earlier. Exhaustion etched itself into her features—lines around her mouth and circles under her eyes. “I’m going to take you back to the carriage house.”

“Oh, that’s sweet. I’m fine. I can drive.”

“Not happening. Keys,” he said, holding out his hand.

“You have to go back to work.”

“I’ll get there. I’ll call a rideshare from your house and come pick up my car.”

“Really, I can make it home.”

“I’m going to release my hold on you. If you can stand steady next to me for sixty seconds, I’ll let you decide.”

Tiffanie nodded confidently. He lifted his hand. As if not expecting him to release her so quickly, Tiffanie took a couple steps from Phineas and threw her hands out to the side to balance herself. Her eyes widened and rolled up as if she would pass out. Her fingers tangled in his polo shirt as she held on tightly. Damn, he liked the feel of her against him.

“Oh, good night,” she muttered under her breath.

“Let’s go, Little girl.” Phineas wrapped his arm around her waist and plucked the remote from her hand. After guiding Tiffanie to her car, he helped her into the passenger seat and fastened the seatbelt. “Close your eyes and relax.”

“Really, wasting your time is silly.”

“I’m not unhappy at all. I’m perfectly content to spend the drive with you.” Phineas dropped a kiss on her hair before stepping back and closing the door.

By the time he climbed behind the steering wheel, a soft snore whispered from her lips. Phineas started the engine and shifted into reverse. He headed for Ferguson’s Folly.

About fifteen minutes later, he drove down the entrance lined with large oak trees dripping with Spanish moss. Phineas took a lane off to the right, guessing the roof he could see under the trees was the carriage house. He pulled up in front of the building and noted signs of repairs. Ivan was obviously working on the previously abandoned space when he had a break from the more time-sensitive jobs Essie required.

He parked in the driveway and turned off the engine. Circling the car, he watched her sleeping deeply. Tiffanie had gotten completely worn out. He smiled at her beautiful face, relaxed in slumber. He’d love to see her on his pillow every morning. Though surprised by that thought, Phineas refused to question his feelings.