Parlor Tricks

Chapter 31

Hank let his fingers comb through Josie's hair as she lay on his chest. She slightly stirred as though the thought of getting up was swirling in her mind. He used his free hand to pull the sheet up around her before letting it settle back into the small of her back. She nestled back into him, allowing him a few more minutes to let her proximity roll over him.

"I should get up; I need to start dinner now." Josie had propped her head on Hank's chest. His focus on his other senses made him not noticed her shifting.

His hand smoothed her hair as he gazed down at her face. "Just another minute." He requested. She smiled at him and again rested her cheek on his chest as he continued to smooth her hair. Hank felt the moment slipping from him despite his attempt to hold on to it. He pulled her tighter to him.

"I'm not going anywhere," she lifted her face to him as she spoke.

"I know," he smiled down at her, feeling unsteady.

Josie pulled from his arms and dressed as Hank continued to gaze at her. "You staying in bed?"

"No," he shyly returned as he diverted his eyes from her and pulled on his pants.

"Hey," he looked up at her, calling to find her close again.

Without notice, her lips were on his. He leaned back, letting her spill on top of him as they both broke apart amidst laughter.

"I think you might be a keeper, Hank Carroll. At least that's what your momma keeps telling me." She gave him a wink as she detangled her body from his and headed to the door.

Hank let her go ahead of him, while slumped back to the bed, allowing the lingering feel of her to sink in further, closing his eyes tightly and focusing on the enduring heat of her touch and the haunting of her scent. He'd gladly welcome blindness to maintain these other senses. He finished dressing slowly with a content smile gracing his face.

Clara was in the sitting room when he arrived. He slumped back to his usual chair. "Still up for some cribbage?'

"Of course," Clara's excitement was warming.

Hank dealt the cards as Clara settled herself deeper into her chair. "So," her attempt at casual failed, "tell me about Josie."

Hank let out a laugh as he glanced at the hand he was dealt and selected his lay-away cards. "I feel like I should ask you that question. You two seem thick as thieves."

"She is a delight," Clara admitted, adding her cards to the crib before Hank tucked them to the side of the table.

"I would have to agree," he feigned, inspecting his cards.

"Oh, Henry, you are as maddening as your father." Clara waved her free hand in the air to exaggerate her words.

"I've been compared to worse," he continued to tease.

Clara let out a sigh. "Henry, you've been alone far too long." Hank's eyes snapped to Clara's at her newly serious tone. "Sometimes I worry you've had far too much time to think," she shook her head at the thought. "Your father was that way, instinctively serious." Her eyes connected with Hank's now, "you deserve better than this life."

Hank reached out a hand to grasp her. "Mom, I'm fine. This life isn't all bad."

"I know I have pushed everyone away; I relied on you too much."

"I haven't exactly been drawing people in."

"But Josie," a smile flickered across her face. "The way you two look at each other. You're connected."

Hank dropped his face as it reddened. They were connected, but not just by love. "I am quite fond of her."

"Henry, don't be coy. Tell her you love her."