Page 11 of Searching the Skies
“Yes, I am,” she said without hesitation. “I like what I do. I like most of the people I meet, and I actually feel…useful. Unlike how I felt here.”
He nodded. “I always knew no matter what you did, no matter where you wound up, you would be beyond successful. If you can be happy at the same time, even better.”
“That’s nice to hear.” Her smile faded. “Too bad not everyone can be as supportive as you.”
Marcus set his glass on the table and brushed the hair out of his eyes. “I know your parents are proud of you,” he said.
“Maybe.”
“They just miss you, is all.”
Geneva wrinkled her nose. “They don’t make it very comfortable for me to want to come here to visit them. Every single time I speak to them, it’s always the same arguments, practically word for word.”
“They’ll come around.”
“They haven’t yet.” She continued to fiddle with her straw. “I guess that’s why my mother brought you in for reinforcements this time,” she said, trying to lighten the mood.
His brow furrowed. “What, you thought this was all part of some great plan to make you want to stay here?”
“The idea crossed my mind.”
“I didn’t think people believed I was so charming,” he said dryly. “While your mother did let me know you were coming home—and no, she didn’t tell me the circumstances until right before you arrived—all I wanted was to see you and find out how you were doing.”
“I know I didn’t show it first, but I’m glad you did.” Leaning over the table, she stared into his onyx eyes. “Really, I am.”
They gazed at each other for several wordless moments before Marcus glanced down to check the time. “At the risk of sounding like a nervous teenager, I should be getting you home. I wouldn’t want to keep you out too late.”
“I’m a big girl now.” She raised an eyebrow. “I think I can decide how late I want to stay out.”
“I know, I know, but there’s no need to further add to the tension in your house.” He stood up and offered her his hand. “We’ll behave ourselves tonight.”
Back at the Greyson residence, Marcus escorted Geneva to the front door. “If you want,” he said, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, “you could use me as an excuse to get out of here whenever you need to over the next couple of weeks.”
She tugged her wrap around her shoulders. “I appreciate the offer. And I think I’ll take you up on it.”
He ran a hand through his fine black hair and bit his lower lip. “Why don’t you come over to my place for dinner one night? I’ll even cook.”
“You mean you don’t have a personal chef to do it for you?” She laughed. “I’m already impressed.”
“And even though you look incredible in that dress, I can tell you hate it, so why don’t you wear something more comfortable?”
Sighing, she gave up trying to adjust the shawl and let it dangle over her elbow. “Did I make it so obvious?”
“Just a little.” He stepped closer to her and took her hands in his. “Don’t forget, Geneva, we’ve known each other for a long time. Even though it’s been so many years since we last saw each other, I figured you couldn’t have changed too much. I assumed you would still be essentially the same person I knew and cared about.”
Geneva’s cheeks grew warm as he raised one of her hands to his lips. As he lightly kissed it, never taking his eyes off hers, her breath caught in her throat as she struggled not to squirm under his intense stare. “Good night, Geneva,” he said. “I look forward to seeing you again soon.”
He was halfway back to the car before she called out to him. “Thank you. For everything tonight.”
“Any time.”
A few steps later, she spoke again. “Marcus?”
“Yes?” he answered, turning around.
She paused, considering her next words. “You look good. I’m glad we got this opportunity to meet up as adults.”
It was his turn to blush. “Sleep well, Geneva. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”