Page 13 of Softest Touch
James teases me daily about Melinda, and now Sienna has joined in too. They encourage me to take the leap and confess my feelings, but I'm terrified. I fear crossing that line will ruin everything and there will be no going back. I don't want to lose the serenity and camaraderie we've built over the past months.
Checking the time once more, I finally exit the car and ring the intercom.
“Yes?” an elderly voice answers, and I realize it's Melinda's grandmother, whom she frequently mentions.
“Good morning, Mrs. Julie. I'm Derek Wilson.”
“Oh, come on in. We're on the third floor.”
“Thank you,” I say, entering the building and pressing the elevator button. When I reach the third floor, Grandma Julie greets me with a smile.
“Good morning, Mr. Wilson. Please, come in.”
“I apologize for the early hour,” I say, kissing her hand, which makes her blush.
She leads me to the kitchen. “Don't worry. Would you like some coffee?”
“Yes, please,” I respond, noticing some framed photos on the wall.
“Oh, the cotillion,” Mrs. Julie remarks, approaching the pictures. “Melinda was so nervous that day. Isn't she beautiful?”
“She's gorgeous,” I agree, admiring the various awards she won in high school and college.
“She resembles her mother, but she has my son's attitude.” Julie chuckles. “If she sets her mind on something, nothing can stop her.”
I smile, appreciating how Melinda's determination and confidence enhance her beauty. “I've noticed that.”
“Grandma, did the doorbell ring? Has Laura arrived?” Melinda, wrapped in a pink towel, calls out as she strides toward the kitchen. Upon seeing us, she chokes on her water. “What are you doing here?” she stammers, adjusting her towel as her grandmother laughs.
“I came to pick you up,” I reply nonchalantly, sipping my coffee and trying to maintain my composure. She looks even more stunning without makeup, and I can't help but envy the towel.
“Already? But... but... but... All right, give me five minutes,” she says before hurrying away.
“Well,” Julie nudges me, “now that we've embarrassed her, would you like to see her childhood photos?”
“Oh, yes please.”
Julie is a delightful grandmother. As we look through Melinda's photos, I don't think I've ever laughed so hard. I've discovered so many tidbits about her life, and I must admit, I never would have guessed that she was such a fearless girl.
Melinda returns to us in a pair of jeans and a white shirt, elegant and incredibly alluring. My trousers instantly feel tighter. I can't take my eyes off her, even as her grandmother regales me with the tale of an expedition they had embarked on in search of the lost snowflake.
“Well, Grandma, you have food in the fridge. Make sure to eat some fruit too and take your pills.”
“Will do,” Julie says with a hint of frustration. “Now take her away.”
“Oh, I almost forgot, wait,” Melinda exclaims, dashing back to her room as Julie continues to stare at me.
“You like Melinda, don't you, Mr. Wilson?” My mouth goes dry. What I feel for Melinda goes far beyond simple admiration. “Yeah,” she continues, “don't make her suffer, because otherwise, I'll chase you down to hell!”
My mouth drops open before I burst into laughter. “Mrs. Julie, I love Melinda and would never, ever hurt her,” I confess to her. One day I'll gather the courage to say it to Melinda too. It's not easy for me to open up to anyone, let alone admit my feelings.
“Treat her like a queen because she deserves it.”
“I promise you,” I say, kissing her hand as if to seal my vow.
“Promise what?” Melinda asks as she returns with a pair of sneakers in hand.
“That I will take care of you,” I quickly improvise.