Page 24 of War Within
“Are you still cold?” Reaching over I rested my hand on her shoulder.
“Just a bit.”
Taking a step closer, I pulled her to my side, running my palm up and down her arm. She leaned into my touch but remained tense. I knew I had crossed a line.
“Is that better?”
She bit her bottom lip, nodding. “You’re so warm.”
“And yet my ex-wife called me cold.” I exhaled.
She took a step back, her mouth agape with a smile. “You were married?”
I bowed my head. “For seven years.”
“Can I ask wha—”
“She cheated on me then took our kids and left.” Resentment simmered in my veins, recalling the day.
“I'm so sorry.” The empathic pain in her voice convinced me she cared.
“I see them a lot now, but it was a rough start.”
“I never would've imagined you married with kids.” She lifted her hands. “Not that there is anything wrong with you. I just…you’re sooo…you.”
“I love kids. I wanted more, but life dealt me only two.” I smirked, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear.
She swallowed hard. I realized at that moment, how badly I longed to kiss her, however I was cautious. I usually blamed my intuition for reluctance, but I felt she was pure, and I was paranoid. She had to have a great heart. I could tell she had been hurt before. Her eyes sparkled in the light of the fire. I could feel my heart beating harder in my chest. I wanted her. I needed her.
“Are you okay?” She spoke barely above a whisper.
We backed away from one another swiftly, at the loud, uncanny chime of the doorbell. I took a deep breath, wondering who could be here this late.
“I'm sorry.” I offered a genuine smile. “I'll be right back.”
She had captivated me, but I did not comprehend why. Her eyes were so full of mysteries I had yet to understand, but I felt drawn to her. At the same time, I knew it was not a good idea. She was faithful to my business and me for so long, but something churned in the pit of my stomach when I was around her. I wish I had recognized it at the time. It probably would have saved me in many ways.
That evening, I went to Jane’s room. Standing just outside her door, I paced back and forth. Inner turmoil overcame me as I debated continuing our conversation from earlier. I almost let my guard down, kissing her. That would have been a mistake. Taking a deep breath, I lifted my fist to the door, hovering for a moment, deciding if I was going to knock. I took a chance.
KNOCK! KNOCK!
“It’s open!” Her muffled voice bounced off the thick, wooden barrier, offering no echo.
As it opened, I peeked in. She was sitting in a chair in the corner of the room on the phone, but stood, tossing it back on the cushion the moment she saw me. She fidgeted, turning a bright shade of red.
I lifted my hand, stroking my chin. My gaze lowered to the chair then back to her.
She rolled her eyes, sighing. “You do that a lot you know. Stare.”
Taking several steps closer, I slid my hands in my pockets, remaining quiet.
“Who was at the door if I’m allowed to ask?” She chewed the inside of her bottom lip with a crinkled brow.
“My kids.”
“Oh!” Her demeanor changed to a shock.
“My daughter timed her flight to arrive within an hour of my son, so they were able to get here roughly at the same time.” I realized she did not know much about me. “I just didn’t expect them to be able to get here until tomorrow.”
