He felt the pressure of her fingers squeezing his. Matt had gotten his answer and he was pleased that she agreed. Her heart was racing, she was short of breath for a moment - he could hear the rapid pulse of the muscle and the way her lungs ceased expanding. The moment caught between them and swelled like an invisible balloon that only they would know about.
Matt knew all about temptation. It was human nature to want, to crave...
And he was glad she was pulling him back into a new sense of reality. The night needed to be perfect and it would be. He would make sure of it because she deserved no less than that. And as long as he could give, if she was willing to accept, he would.
Reaching the table, Matt set down his glass, pulled out her chair and offered her the seat. He hated to let go of her but he knew they would find each other again soon, and the anticipation was worth the release. When she was settled, Matt pushed her chair to the table gently and then he went to the kitchen.
The cooling biscuits were placed into a cloth covered basket and brought to the table, an offering to add the last touch to the meal. Then, Matt sat and nodded at Rose, "Don't wait on me, please. Dig in!"