Page 114 of My Best French Wedding

Walter glanced around the room as if seeing it through her eyes. “Is it too cheesy?”

“It’s the perfect amount of cheese.”

He rocked back on his heels, looking everywhere but at her. “Well, thanks for coming.”

It felt like they were communicating via translator, with a slightly artificial lag between sentences. Having made up her mind to be here, Hildy didn’t want to waste time dancing around the issue. “It’s weird, right?”

“What is?” he asked.

“Us. Like this.”

“Standing ten feet apart?”

“That’s part of it.”

Walter took several steps in her direction. “Better?”

“I don’t know.” Somehow Hildy had envisioned them tumbling into bed without needing to discuss it. Right now that seemed as probable as bungee jumping without a harness. They were too busy choking on this strange newpoliteness. “Do we just hit the reset button? Different era, commencing now.”

“We can ease into it. There’s no hurry.”

“It’s been ten years, Walter. We’re not exactly rushing things. I just…”

“You just what?” he prompted, when she didn’t finish the thought.

“I’m not sure how to act. Are we supposed to be serious now? What are the rules?”

He nodded slowly, brow creased in thought. “You want something more formal to mark the occasion. Like a treaty?”

“Or a parade. And speeches. For Armistice Day.” It was a funny mental image, even though the last thing they needed was more pressure. She smoothed her hands over her hips, watching him track the motion with his eyes. At least she had his full attention.

“It wasn’t like this in the woods.”

“Yeah, well.” Enchanted forests didn’t come with a bunch ofexpectations. There were no beds daring you to find out whether the reality of sleeping with Walter Burns could possibly compare to ten years of sexual tension. They needed a way to get past this last barrier between them.

Hildy crooked a finger at him. “Come here.”

Walter pointed at himself.

“Yes, you.” She indicated the spot directly in front of her. When they were standing toe-to-toe, Hildy placed her hands on his shoulders. Walter ducked his head to kiss her, but she leaned away. “Wait.”

“You want to talk more?” To his credit, it sounded like a sincere offer, despite the pinch of resignation around his eyes.

“Wouldn’t that be a role reversal?” She was tempted to torture him by pretending, but that wasn’t the game she wanted to play right now. “Are you sure you’ve let go of all our troubles? No lingering resentments or festering grievances?”

He looked down at her hands, which had moved to his top button. “I—no? Nothing festering on my end.”

Hildy nodded as she undid the first button. “Then you won’t mind if I double-check.”

His throat moved as he swallowed. “Be my guest.”

“I’ll need to be thorough,” she warned, undoing another button.

“Touch me anywhere you have to.” He lifted his chin. “I can handle it.”

“You’re very brave,” she murmured, running a finger down the center of his chest. Walter shivered. “You okay?”

He opened his mouth to speak before opting for a nod instead.