Virtual Reality (Sue Thomas FBEye / Murdoch Mysteries)

Virtual Reality - Chapter Twelve

Concerned by her travel companion's long absence, Julia paced the deserted platform of the train station. She'd gotten their tickets hours ago, but without knowing where he'd gone exactly, she waited here. Her feet hurt from all the walking and her rumbling stomach reminded her of the meal she'd skipped. In her present state of mind, she didn't particularly care if William approved her choice of tickets or not. She needed rest and didn't look forward to the looming thirty-hour train ride. Tonight, she'd secretly hoped for a hot bath, a soft mattress and a long restful night in a local hotel, but she understood they couldn't afford an extra three days before returning to Toronto.

When she'd planned this trip east, she'd been ready to spend two nights on the uncomfortable train seat until they arrived in Halifax. Fate had decided otherwise. The bed at the inn— and William's hands— had soothed her sore muscles, but the second night spent in their private compartment with little conversation from William had made the last part of the trip doubly uncomfortable.

A familiar silhouette appeared at the end of the platform. An apologetic smile on his face, William walked toward her. "I'm sorry it took so long."

The lack of explanation didn't impress her much. "What did you do, William? Play poker with the telegraph operator and forgot about me?"

His hand gently reached for her elbow. Under the innocent touch, shivers courses under her long sleeves.

Jack hid his grin in the softness of Sue's hair. The good doctor wasn't immune to the detective's charm. If words kept failing Murdoch, kissing her senseless might still convince her to accept his proposal.

"But I was thinking about you." He guided her toward the street. "As a result, I didn't pay attention to my surroundings and I... I got lost."

His hesitation didn't escape her. How much of his pride did he swallow to acknowledge his lost of direction? "Really?"

Yes." His eyes darkened in the setting sun. "Are you hungry?"

How did a woman develop immunity against those eyes? "I'm starving. I hope you saw a nice restaurant while you aimlessly roamed the streets."

"I did." He brought her hand to his lips. "And if I could remember where, I'd gladly take you there."

She couldn't muffle the laughter bubbling in her throat. He was incorrigible.

"Only three hours before departure, William. Better start juggling that memory of yours."

"There's a place not too far." They veered left at the corner of the building. "Nothing fancy, but from the outside, it smelled good."

"You'll owe me a nice dinner when we get back, William Murdoch," she teased.

His fingers bestowed discreet caresses through the thin fabric of her sleeves. "With pleasure, darling."

~ * ~

If William had interpreted the priest's advice correctly, he needed to win Julia's heart— but hadn't he already done so when he spent the night with her? Apparently not.

Usually reserved in public, he fought his natural tendencies and allowed the feelings he harboured for her to crawl to the surface. The subtle marks of affection he displayed seemed to work. By the time they reached the dining place, she held firmly to his arm, a bright smile adorning her lovely face.