“Please don’t….” She looked so scared that I got up and went over to sit on the bed.
“Now take it easy,” I said, putting my hand on hers. “Just take it easy.”
She said, “But you don’t know her. She’s dangerous. She won’t stop at anything.”
I liked the feel of her hand in mine. I took each finger in turn between my finger and thumb and gently pressed her nails. “Suppose we wait an’ see,” I said. “It’s no good getting steamed up before anythin’ starts. Now forget about it, honey, we got other things to think about. I’ve gotta make plans. What are we goin’ to do with you?”
She was quite content to leave her hand in mine. We sat there looking at each other, and when she saw I wasn’t worrying she relaxed and smiled at me.
“You’re good to have around, Nick,” she said. “I guess I’d be in a bad spot without you.”
“I’d like you to be around always.”
She shook her head. “Don’t say that,” she said, taking her hand away. “You don’t have to say it.”
“I know. I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t meant it. I’ve tried to get you out of my system, but you stick. I guess this sounds cock-eyed to you, but I want to go on with you.” I stopped because I just couldn’t get the words out.
She saw what I meant all right. She said very softly, “What about me? Do you think—”