Free Room to Breathe by Nicole Brightman Page B

me? If you don’t want to see me anymore you could’ve just told me.” I am completely thrown.
    “No, no! That isn’t what I am saying at all. I like spending time with you, a fact that I thought I made fairly clear earlier. However, you said yourself this isn’t serious and it wouldn’t be right away. You would have to stay here for a while first so we can make sure you are prepared for whatever you might have to deal with. Then once you are ready we would have a get together for you to meet potential sponsors and see if there is anyone you want to work with. It is almost more of a job opportunity than anything else.”
    “But it would be a job where I am always on call. What if I didn’t like any of them or none of them like me?” I can’t help but think that would be humiliating if they all hated me. Wait, am I really considering this?
    “If you don’t like them then you don’t have to be with any of them. As for none of them liking you, that is not possible. It more likely that they with be having fist fights over you,” he smiles his charming smile and it seems my happy Eric is back.
    “Can I have some time to think about this?” My head is so full of thoughts I can hardly think. I need some time to really run through everything.
    “Yes, of course! I would expect you to. Please take all the time you need,” he gently kisses the back of my hand.
    “Thanks. I should be getting home now,” I say as I smile back to reassure him. I slip back on my heels.
    We stand and Eric pauses to press a button on a monitor on the wall. By the time we reach the door Jefferson is waiting.
    “Miss Allen I have already had your belongings placed in the car,” He says holding my sweater out for me. Eric takes it from him and helps me into it himself.
    “Thank you Jefferson,” Eric says as he nods to the butler. Jefferson nods back and disappears down the hall. Eric kisses me sweetly on the lips. “Thank you for hearing me out, Cora. Let me know when you have made your decision or if you have any questions.”
    “I will. Thank you for everything today. It was wonderful,” I reply and then return his kiss. Eric opens the door to reveal a downpour and freezing wind. Angus rushes from the car holding an umbrella for me.
    “I can’t tell you how much I enjoy just talking to you,” he says kissing my cheek once more.
    “Good bye, your Lordship,” I smile and attempt a curtsy.
    “Good bye, Miss Allen,” He smiles as he shakes his head at me. I turn to head down he front steps with Angus carrying the umbrella.

Chapter 10

    As the car starts the head down the long drive I decide to check my phone. I have three text messages from Maggie asking me to call her. I send her a quick message telling her I am on my way home and will call her when I get there. She responds immediately saying she is coming over. Urgh. I have really had enough of serious conversations for the day. I am about to argue with her when I get a message Eric.
    Thank you again for coming to the house today and for hearing me out. I appreciate that you didn’t just bolt. You should know that you have a perfectly talented mouth as well.
    He makes me smile so easily. I send him a quick message back.
    Anytime and thank you. Your mouth is pretty wonderful too.
    I put my phone down and think back over everything he said. It would be a lot of fun to stay at Greenwood Manor with him and there really wouldn’t be any harm if I changed my mind later. Also, maybe I would find someone I connected with. It isn’t like I have a lot going on in Edgecombe and this would help me travel. There is just one thing bothering me. I am worried that maybe this whole thing with Eric was just a set up for his pitch. I decide to send him a quick text.
    If I say no to your offer would you still want to go to the castle with me?
    There that should give me a better idea if I was being setup or not. I would have to feel like I can trust him if I go through with this. His reply