All Night Long (Man of the Month 9)

He hesitated, then closed his eyes. "Yeah. I think I can."

"I--" Her voice hitched.

"Come with me on Saturday to the event at the Children's Museum."

"What?"

"As my date."

"But--"

"I want you with me. I want us together."

She stayed silent.

"You told me once that you understood what it was like to have the world ripped out from under you," he said. "And I know the story behind please. Maybe it's time you stop being afraid, Selma. Say yes, and come with me."

For a moment, there was silence. Then he heard her soft, breathy, "Yes," followed by the click of the call disconnecting.

Selma dialed the country code for Scotland, then put her phone down.

Five minutes later, she picked it up again. This time, she got all the way through Sean's number b

efore she slid the phone away.

The next time--an hour later after she'd showered--she forced herself to dial the full number and press the little handset icon.

She heard the weird ring that signified that it wasn't a US call, then tightened her grip so she wouldn't be tempted to hang up again.

A click, a yawn, and then a sleepy voice. "Selma?"

Damn. She hadn't factored in the time change.

"I'm sorry to wake you. I just--I wanted to talk to you soon. So you were in the loop."

"There's a loop?"

She smiled. The odd question coupled with his sexy Scottish voice crossed the line into funny.

"It's just that I--well, I won't be coming after all. I'm sorry if that leaves you in a lurch."

"Yeah?" Another yawn, followed by a soft, it's okay, love, go back to sleep, and when he came back on, he sounded more human. "What's up?"

"I just--well, honestly, there's a guy. No, that's not it." She shook her head. "It's Free-Tail. I'm not ready to give it up."

She closed her eyes and waited for him to lose his temper. She knew he'd been counting on her help. He'd even arranged a flat for her to lease.

A moment passed, then another. Then finally, he said, "If I were you, I couldn't walk away either."

"You're not mad?"

"Nah. Disappointed I won't be seeing you, but come make a trip when you can."

Relief flooded through her, and for the first time she was not only certain she'd done the right thing, but she felt one hundred percent comfortable with a longterm decision.

"I will."

"And Selma? If there is a guy in the picture, bring him, too. I want to meet the man who finally got under your skin."