Wendy stood off to the side, the smile on her face growing stiff.
She wasn't willing to accept this. Just a moment ago, she had been so close.
Using the excuse of slipping, she had fallen straight into Leonard's arms. When she tilted her head up to look at him, she had clearly felt his breath falter for a split second.
If Thomas hadn't appeared out of nowhere, she would have kissed him.
And once that happened, Leonard would have been hers.
Lowering her gaze, she concealed the frustration in her eyes.
"Uncle Leonard, thank you for just now," she said again, softening her voice. "If it weren't for you, I might have fallen."
Leonard glanced at her. "It's nothing. Be more careful next time."
With that, he turned and walked toward the end of the corridor, showing no intention of continuing the conversation.
Thomas followed behind him.
Wendy remained where she was, the smile finally slipping from her face.
She bit her lip, then reluctantly followed.
