Awakening Abigail

Chapter 26

Chapter 26

Abi was bouncing up and down in the seat next to Andrew. 

“I really don’t think this is a good idea!  What if I crash it?  What if someone drives into me?  It’s not like you can jump off the plane!”

She was babbling without taking a breath, her eyes wide on him.  Andrew placed a hand on her leg, keeping his eyes on the road.

“Relax little one, you’ll be fine.  I have all my trust in your driving skills.”

Abi sat back, a frustrated sound escaping her.

“Why couldn’t we just take my car?”

Andrew could feel her brooding eyes on him.  Shaking his head, he made a left turn.

“I want you to get used to driving the Mercedes.”

Abi pouted, a light blush on her cheeks.

“I can get used to driving the damn car any other time.  Why now?  You’re leaving the country, for crying in a bucket.”

Andrew laughed, playfully reaching for her hair and pulling it lightly.

“You don’t really have a choice anymore.  How are you getting home after dropping me off if you’re not going to use the ‘damn car’?”

She was silent, only glaring at him. 

“Fine.  But if I do crash it, you’re not allowed to be mad at me.  You better blame yourself.”

He reached for her hand, pulling it onto his lap. Holding it tight.

“I promise I won’t be mad.  Now, let’s focus on how much you’re going to miss me.”

She snorted.

“I will let you know, I can function without you.  I mean, after six months with you I think I need a breather.”

Andrew glanced at her, briefly meeting her sparkling eyes.  He could see she was joking, but had to milk the situation.

“Really?  Well, in that case, I think I’m going to extend my visit to two weeks, what do you think?”

She answered too quickly for someone who wanted a breather.

“Don’t be silly.  Tiny will miss you too much.”

He met her eyes again, a smile on her lips.

She reached out and placed her hand in his neck.  Her finger played with his hair.

“Now, when you stop this ‘damn car’ I will show you how much I’m going to miss you.”  She leaned in and placed a featherlike kiss on his cheek, sitting back and resting her head against his shoulder.  He briefly pressed her against him, his eyes not leaving the road.

***

The sound of engines and murmur of voices was all Abi could hear as she stood on the deck, waiting for Andrew’s flight to take off.  She could still feel his burning lips on hers, her body still warm from his tight embrace.  His reluctance to leave her was very obvious, and she had to fight back the tears.  She repeated to herself:  “It’s only a week.  It’s just one little week.” 

“You should have come with me.”  He whispered in her hair as he held her up against him, her feet dangling in the air.  She had her arms wrapped around his neck, and everything around them faded away.  She sighed, taking in his smell.

“You know it’s not that easy.  I promise, this is the last time I let you go somewhere alone.  When it’s not my mom’s birthday.”

He just stood still with her in his arms, and she didn’t mind.  She loved being in the safe cocoon of his arms.  The voice from the intercom barely pierced through their little bubble, reminding them that it was time for him to go.