Chapter 402
On the way back, nearly the entire Lawrence family turned out to see Effie and Lyman off. Their enthusiastic send-off startled Effie more than a little.
“Effie, come visit me again when you have the time,” Mrs. Lawrence called out warmly.
“I will,” Effie promised with a smile.
After exchanging goodbyes several more times, Effie and Lyman finally managed
to escape.
In the car, Effie glanced at Lyman. “Did that take care of everything?”
Lyman nodded. “Pretty much sorted.”
Effie gave a little hum of acknowledgement, then hesitated before saying, “I hope you don’t think I was overstepping. I just wanted to help you out, that’s all. If you didn’t like how I handled it, next time I-wait, actually, let’s hope there’s no next time.”
Lyman reached over and patted her hand reassuringly. “Not at all. I wish you’d do it more often-I’d never be unhappy about it.”
“Really?” Effie looked at him, her long lashes fluttering like the wings of a butterfly about to take flight.
He gently cupped the back of her head and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.
Effie caught a faint trace of wine on him. It wasn’t overpowering, so she didn’t mind.
Back at the gathering, whether the toasts were meant for her or for Lyman, he’d intercepted every single one. He’d probably had more than a few drinks himself.
Now, with the alcohol settling in, he leaned back on the sofa, closed his eyes, and pretended to nap.
Effie didn’t dare disturb him. She sat quietly beside him, scrolling through her phone. Every so often, she couldn’t help sneaking a glance at Lyman.
He really was ridiculously handsome-even with his eyes closed, just watching the outline of his face was enough to make her heart race.
Thank goodness he was a businessman and not a movie star, Effie thought. If he were famous, the whole world would be infatuated with him.
Suddenly, Lyman opened his eyes-just in time to catch her staring.
Effie flinched, like a kid caught doing something wrong, and started to look away.
“Am I really that good-looking?” Lyman’s lips curled into a teasing smile, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
Effie forced herself to hold his gaze, offering a nervous laugh as she pretended not to understand. “My head’s spinning a bit. I’m going to get some sleep. Wake me when we get home, okay?”
Without waiting for a reply, she quickly shut her eyes and feigned sleep.
Lyman could tell she was faking, but he just played along, indulging her. “Alright,” he said gently.
He reached over and took her hand. Effie tensed, her heart suddenly pounding.
But Lyman simply closed his eyes again and settled back, pretending to nap as well.
After a few moments, Effie let out a quiet sigh of relief. She cracked one eye open and peeked at him-he was still “sleeping.” Feeling reassured, she closed her eyes for real this time.
When they finally arrived, Lyman got out of the car.
Effie thought, That’s odd. Why didn’t he wake me up?
She opened her eyes to find Lyman already outside, walking around to her side of the car. He opened her door, tooking every bit like he was about to pick her up and carry her inside.
Effie jumped out quickly. “Oh! We’re… we’re home?”
Lyman’s lips twitched with amusement. “What a shame.”
Effie blinked at him. “Shame about what?”
“I missed my chance to be your knight in shining armor. The opportunity’s gone
now,” he said, feigning disappointment.
She stared at him for a second, then burst out laughing.
Effie reached her hand toward him in invitation, and Lyman seemed to catch her
meaning. He leaned in closer.
“We could still fix that,” she said with a grin.
“Good point,” Lyman replied.
He scooped her up in his arms. “Let’s go. Time to head home.”
“Am I too heavy?” Effie whispered, nestled against his chest.