touched her shoulder, then slid his hand with familiar ease to her neck. He leaned over and whispered near her ear, “I’ll be right back.” Then, before moving away, he murmured, “You smell wonderful.”
Heather shivered as he left her. She felt like a bug caught in a spider’s web, a tiny little bug facing a really big spider. Apprehension warred with excitement inside her. He’d certainly gone to a lot of trouble for her, and despite her resolve to remain aloof, it touched a tender spot in her heart. This was a side of him she wasn’t used to. It made her wonder what else about him had changed.
Fingering the soft petals of the rose, she pondered its intent. Justin had never been what one would call romantic. Though he’d always acknowledged her birthday and their anniversary with gifts, Heather had never felt that he’d put much thought into them. They were never overly personal, and actually, she’d wondered if he’d had his secretary choose them.
Picking up the rose, she breathed in its sweet, floral scent. Justin knew she loved roses, and he’d occasionally brought a dozen home to her. Red roses were her favorite. She trailed the soft, velvet-like petals across her cheek.
Closing her eyes, she remembered the first time he’d given her roses. It had been the night he’d asked her to marry him. From the moment she’d met him, she’d never looked at another man. She’d been thrilled when he proposed.
Now he was proposing something totally different.
The door to the kitchen opened, and heat rushed to her face. She swung her head around in time to see him stop beside her and place two silver covered dishes and a basket of bread on the table. Not wanting him to wonder what suddenly had her hot all over, she quipped, “You cooked?” The truth was, they both knew he’d burn water if it was possible.
That brought a quick smile to his lips. “Smart aleck.” His expression was teasing as he lifted the lids and the aroma of garlic and tomato sauce filled the room.
They both laughed, and Heather enjoyed hearing the rich, cheerful sound of his voice. How long had it been since they’d share such a moment? She stared at him, all kinds of raw emotions wreaking havoc inside her.
Life just didn’t play fair. When they’d married, she’d thought they’d be happy forever. She supposed that was silly, but it was what she’d longed for, wanted to believe in, despite her father’s desertion. It had taken a lot of courage to trust Justin with her heart. What had happened to the love they’d once shared? Where had they failed?
The shared moment died, and as her eyes watered, she looked away.
Justin’s lips flattened into a thin line. “What?” he asked as he took his seat. He reached over and touched her hand.
“Nothing.”
“Heather—”
She reluctantly turned her gaze to his, her eyes glistening.
“I don’t want to hurt you.”
“I think I know that,” she said, then continued rather solemnly, “in my head. My heart is quite another matter. Sometimes whether we want to or not, we do hurt each other.” She stopped speaking to take a breath, to will herself to get control. “I don’t know if I can do this again,” she admitted truthfully.
“Give us a chance. That’s all I’m asking.”
She couldn’t look at him. “You make it sound so simple, so easy. But it isn’t.”
Justin let go of her hand and sat back. He breathed heavily. “I don’t know what you think, but this past year hasn’t been easy for me, either.”
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