I still yearned for him—still called out for him whenever I was alone. I just wished there was something I could do.
Remember, whispered a voice.
“Remember what? What do I need to remember? Who I am? I don’t understand. I wish someone would just tell me.”
A knock on the door made me jump. Running to the window, I saw Simeon standing there, doing up his tie and straightening his shirt.
As I answered, I spotted a bottle of wine in his hand. “Sorry I’m late. I thought I’d bring a bottle.”
In my haste, I didn’t think to bring anything. “Seeing as you did bring something, I think I can let you off…this time.”
Simeon smiled and bowed. “Are you ready, my lady?” He glanced over my body, which made the fires start.
He’s not Stephen.
Kicking myself into gear, I shut the door behind me. “Yes, I am.”
Simeon held his arm out. “Then let me escort you to your chariot.”
Giggling, I took his arm as he led me to his car parked around the corner. He made sure I was comfortable inside before he marched over to the driver’s side.
“You look as beautiful as ever,” he said as he started the engine.
“And you’re still as subtle as a brick.”
Simeon looked over at me before pulling out of the parking space. “And you’re still as cheeky as ever by the looks of things.”
I shook my head, smiling. “I have no clue what that’s supposed to mean.”
Simeon smiled back and looked like he was about to say something, but stopped himself. “Are you okay?” he asked instead.
“I’m fine, thank you. A little sore, but fine.”
Simeon frowned and quickly glanced over at me. “I wasn’t talking about your shoulder.” He paused a moment. “I know you feel somewhat wary of me, Cassie, and that’s perfectly fine. I completely understand why you would. I know I’m not Stephen and I would never expect you to think otherwise. In fact, although we are twins, I am my own person with thoughts and feelings of my own.”
Rubbing my hands on my knees, I glanced over at Simeon. I felt guilty that I was, in fact, comparing him to Stephen. I knew it was silly to be wary of him because of that fact. It wasn’t Simeon’s fault he looked exactly like him.
“I know you do, Simeon. I’m sorry if I gave the impression I was comparing the two of you.”
Simeon breathed out with a smile. “That’s okay, Cassie. I guess what I’m trying to say is I’m here for you. As an angel, a friend, and a confidant. I will be here if you ever need to talk.”
Deciding I had to let go of my hang-ups, I reached out and took Simeon’s hand. He jumped at my touch, but smiled. “Thank you, Simeon. It is appreciated.”
As I was about to take my hand away, he surprised me by grabbing it and giving it a squeeze. “I do mean it, Cassie. You never have to be alone when you have us.”
I gave Simeon a reassuring smile, but I was dying inside. Pretty soon, I won’t have them. They will leave and I will be left with no one.
I was so wrapped up in my thoughts, I didn’t even realize we were pulling up outside Simon’s house until Simeon stopped the car.
“I believe this is it.” He pulled the key out of the ignition and looked over at me. “Are you ready?” I nodded. “Sit tight. I’ll come over and help you out.” As I started to protest, he put his hand up. “I insist.”
“How did you know what I was going to say?”
Simeon raised his eyebrow and gave me a cheeky grin. “Because I already know how stubborn you are, Cassie. It doesn’t take a genius to work that one out. Just let me be a gentleman and open the door for you.”
Giggling, I pulled my hand away from the door handle. “Okay. Thank you, Simeon. And people say chivalry is dead.”
Simeon shook his head. “I don’t know who he is, so I really cannot say either way.”
Laughing harder now, I watched as he got out of the car and walked over to my side. With a gesture of his hand, he bowed. “We are here, my lady.”
I grabbed his hand as he pulled me out. “Why, thank you, kind sir.” As Simeon shut the door behind me, he was so close that our lips were almost touching.
My breath caught as I gazed into his bright blue eyes. I was lost in the moment. A tender, peaceful moment where we both couldn’t keep our eyes off each other. Simeon stared longingly at my mouth, making me gulp. He’s not going to kiss me, is he?
He’s not Stephen!
The angry voice in my head made me jump so violently, it caused Simeon to take a step back.
“Are you okay?”
Catching my breath, I nodded. “Yes, I’m fine. I thought I heard a noise and it spooked me a little.”