“I hear, Penelope. I will do my best not to trample on your independence and the strength you have built up to protect yourself against a world that trifles with your emotions.”
He reached forward and drew me back against his body. My limbs felt too numb to resist him. I merely moved where he put me, up against his warm and very firm chest.
“I will tread cautiously if you will tell me your needs. Promise me that you will let me know if there is anything I can buy you or do for you. It will be my pleasure to perform such deeds for you. It will be I who is reaping the benefit of pleasing you, don’t you see?”`
I tried to pull back, but his hold was steady — not overpowering. I had no fear that he would carry it beyond what it was, but still I had to state my case. “No, Timothy. It’s too much. I can’t offer you anything in exchange.”
He laughed gently, a laugh that permeated my body and made me want to draw even closer, even though I don’t think an index card could have slid in between our bodies at that moment.
“Your presence at my side is all I ask. Let me be your friend, your . . . whatever you are willing to allow me to be.”
He released me slightly. Then, once more, he took my hand and lowered his head. With his eyes on mine, he touched his lips to my palm. My defensive postures were over. I could barely stand.
No one should have that kind of power. Where was the stubbornness I’d once been told I possessed?
“Come, we shall dine together now. No more than that, not until all your fears are completely allayed.”