Page 8 of Beyond Reach

Be still, stupid heart.

Why should his words affect her?

“In that case, I’m getting into bed so you won’t have any more excuse.”

He strolled quickly to the bed and turned down the sheets. Fresh memories tormented her. She gulped too much soda and choked. He checked on her over his shoulder. She pretended his touching the bed sheets—and just plain being too close to where she would lie—did nothing to her equilibrium.

“This bed is hard, and the pillows are flat,” he complained. “Why did you choose this place? There are many other hotels ten times better.”

“Which cost ten times more. I’m good.”

“If you need—”

She held up a hand and climbed into the bed. Garner’s color running high, he tucked the covers around her. She laid back on what she found to be exactly what he described—flat pillows.

A huge yawn didn’t make him back off. He settled on the side of the bed, his leg brushing her hip. Even with the sheet and comforter separating them, she felt vulnerable.

She drew the covers up to her nose. “I’m fine, Garner.”

He brushed fingers over her cheek, and she froze. Something came over him. Maybe he realized what he was doing, and he drew his hand away from her face. Still, she noticed the regret in his expression. She dared not read into what it could mean, that he wished he could go on touching her, or maybe that he regretted letting her get away in the past.

“I’ve missed you, Chanda.”

“Don’t.”

“I’m glad to see you again. When I heard you accepted Marcella’s offer to be her maid of honor, I was happy to hear it. I thought it might be too awkward between the two of you.”

“Oh it’s awkward alright.”

He went silent, and she bit her lip. Tension charged the room. She wanted to get out of there or to change somehow what happened up until that point. Shutting her eyes, she drew in a breath and blew it out. Warmth stirred on her chin, and she looked up to find him closer. Her breath caught.

“W-what are you doing?” she whispered.

“Chanda.”

She waited for him to explain himself, but he said nothing. Her throat dried. He took her hand in his. Part of her wanted to pull away. The other half stayed still because his touch felt good.

“When you left,” he said in a low tone, “you took my heart.”

Chapter 4

Chanda shut the car door to her rental. She’d sprung for the vehicle because there was no way she was going to live through Garner picking her up again.

After that confession last night, he left the room like he didn’t just floor her.

What the heck was she supposed to say to him? How should she take his words? His statement wasn’t a declaration that he wanted to get back to together. Was it?

She faltered on the walkway up to her cousin’s apartment. No, she couldn’t think that way. Garner belonged to Marcella now. She might as well get that straight in her head. Then again, she should be ticked off that Garner would say some mess like that when he was getting married to someone else. Wasn’t it a betrayal?

“Maybe he’s not as sweet as I always thought he was. Maybe I got off scot-free.”

She liked that idea because it allowed her to continue on to her cousin’s place without turning around and screaming as she ran for her life. And forget the nerves. This was just a small hurtle, the first meeting after so long, her failed relationship too big in her memory.

She pasted a smile on her face and rang Marcella’s bell. Her cousin flung the door wide like she’d been watching for Chanda. “Cuz! Get in here. I’ve missed you!”

Marcella dragged Chanda into a bear hug, making her feel guilty for her feelings. She brushed them aside and embraced Marcella. “I’ve missed you too. Let me look at you.”

Chanda drew back to study Marcella. Her cousin was tall and in perfect physical condition. Big boobs, curvy hips, thick thighs, but everything was in proposition. She looked like a model. The only thing out of place was her hair, which was pulled back into a ponytail. The scraggly hairs around her forehead said she needed a touchup.

---