After they finished eating their meal, he offered, "I'll walk you home."
" No, really. You don't have to do that."
" Just to make sure you don't walk into the traffic again."
" Sorry, no bread trucks at this time of the day." She laughed embarrassed.
" Come, let's go." He held his hand out to her.
She did not take his hand, but started walking out of the restaurant with him. He walked her home. They talked about books and movies. They did not talk about things they would want to do in the future.
In front of her house, he stood waiting for her to unlock the door and he had to use all his self-control to avoid grabbing her and pulling her into his arms. He made a focused effort to regulate his breathing as he wiped his damp palms on his jeans.
After she opened the door, she stepped up into her house, and then she felt his hand on her arm. She looked up to see him gazing down at her, his expression was unreadable.
Then his arms were around her, holding her close.
She hesitated. His warmth was soaking into her and his hands were spread across her back. Then she wrapped her arms around him, absorbing his strength. Tears pricked her eyes, her throat tightened and his comfort washed over her.
When he backed away finally, his gaze dropped to her tear stained eyes. Gently he brushed the tears aside with his fingertips. His hand lingered on her cheek. "Thank you for coming to lunch with me. I'll see you again - at the wall?" He said softly before he turned on his heel and started walking away.
Caution warred with a gush of joy inside her. She was exhausted from the day and grappling with the confusing emotions she experienced since he asked her to have lunch with him and held onto her hand, refusing to let go of her.
After she said hello to her mother and evaded most of her invading questions, she went upstairs to her bedroom. She collapsed onto the bed for a quick nap, before dinner.