Free The World: According to Rachael by Layne Harper Page B

Graham smoothly transitions from my arm laced with his elbow to him holding my hand.
    “What do you think? We could still catch that movie.”
    I shake my head. “Do you know what time it is?” I have a watch on my wrist. I don’t know why I ask the question other than I just wanted to try out another normal question.
    Instead of letting go of my hand, he raises both of our arms to check his watch. I giggle. I don’t think that a giggle has escaped my lips in—well—maybe ever.
    “It’s a little after four o’clock.”
    “I should probably get home. This is a busier than usual week for me.”
    “How far are you from here?”
    “Less than a mile.”
    “Mind if I walk with you?”
    What a loaded question. Is that another way of saying, “Can I come up for a drink?”
    I don’t invite anyone into my home for numerous reasons. Unless my housekeeper just left, it’s generally a wreck. My overly-used furniture doesn’t scream welcome to my home. It is more a place that holds my belongings, and a roof with four walls to sleep in rather than an actual home.
    We walk out of the park and turn onto the street that leads to where I live. After a couple of seconds, I say, “You know, Graham, I’m not sure that this is a good idea. Lou can make sure I get home okay. It is his job.” Those pre-date butterflies have turned into bats that are battling to get out of my stomach. I’m terrified of this turning into something more. With this strong of a connection, I’m not sure if I have the ability to keep it to just sex.
    We stop walking, and he leans over as if he’s going to tell me a secret. “I said that I was going to kiss you before this date was over, and the kiss to the tip of your nose doesn’t count.” He drops my hand and walks over to a nearby tree.
    “What are you doing?” I ask in a voice that is about two octaves higher than it should be. People weave around us on the sidewalk.
    He ignores my question and continues to examine the trunk of the tree as if it’s the most interesting thing ever. He places his hands against the rough grey bark and pushes. “This looks sturdy enough,” he says to the tree. Turning to me, he adds, “or you can let me walk you home and give you a proper goodbye kiss against your front door. Your choice. Here,” he says, motioning to the hordes of people in the park, “we have an audience. Not that I mind. Every guy will be jealous.”
    He turns his hands over, and bends his elbows as if he’s using them as a set of scales. “On the other hand,” he says raising his left hand, “I can take my time to properly kiss you without prying eyes.” He moves his hands back in forth, as if the decision that I’m faced with is weighing him down.
    Graham is so darn cute right now that I can’t help but smile. I pretend to think about it for a moment. I turn and look at the people in the park. I walk over and test the sturdiness of the tree. I catch a glimpse of Lou’s face. He’s about 20 feet from us smirking. Graham has his arms crossed over his chest and is smiling from ear to ear. Decision … What decision? “Well, when you put it like that, I’d love for you to walk me home.”
    I turn to Lou. “Mr. Jackson and I are going to my home. Would you mind grabbing the car and meeting us there?”
    “Ma’am, I’m supposed to stay close by you when you’re in public.” It’s just a statement … but I know that tomorrow, I’ll hear about it if I dismiss him.
    I decide that I’m a big girl and can deal with the lecture. “This is on me, Lou. Not you. I’ll make sure that I take the fall for us.”
    Graham tucks me against his side as if he’s trying to prove to Lou that he can watch over me.
    Lou’s face remains unchanged, but as he turns and walks away I see him shake his head.
    As we draw closer to my townhome, the bats return with a vengeance. I have a year left to make a real difference in the lives of millions of Americans. Is it a good time to get