Page 39 of Morally Black Betrothal

“He’s out right now,” I said. “The doctors said with older patients, it can take some time, but he should be ready to go home today.”

“That’s good. Will he have someone with him at home? Older patients can sometimes get a bit disoriented in the evenings. It’s this strange phenomenon called sundowning. Just so you’re aware and ready.”

She didn’t look away from me when she was speaking.

Most people did. Maybe because they were nervous, or maybe because they found my own stare too direct. Simone, however, kept her eyes fixed directly on me whenever she was speaking or listening.

It was unnerving. And maybe a bit addictive.

Which must be why I found myself looking away first.

What?

“Brendan?”

A soft touch found my hand, and I jerked my head down to where her fingers curled around mine with a light squeeze.

“How areyou?” she asked.

My mouth opened, but nothing came out. I couldn’t stop looking at our entwined fingers.

She took her hand away.

I wanted to grab it back.

“I’m fine,” I said a little too brusquely.

When she shied, I took her hand again without thinking about it.

This time, she was the one who jerked.

But I couldn’t stop myself. Just like I couldn’t stop myself from staring. This was more than an awkward silence between two strangers. That blue-eyed gaze blinked a few times, then flickered down to my lips and back to my eyes.

Oh.

Oh.

Simone Bishop was attracted to me.

She shifted, obviously uncomfortable, but did nothing to take her hand back.

I stroked my thumb over her knuckles, tracing the delicate bones.

I didn’t want to let go.

I wasn’t sure I’d ever want to let go.

“Where were you this week?” I asked. “You told me at the bar you come every day, but I haven’t seen you.”

Simone sighed, and I fought the urge to scowl when she took her hand back at last. “I had to help out with my niece while my sister looks for a job.”

I frowned. “How old is she?”

“Four. Definitely not old enough to be left alone.”

“Who’s with her now?”

“Her mom. Selena got back later than she was supposed to today too. That’s why I was late.”