Page 114 of Be My Wife

A reminder of my foolishness.

Of my hope in something as fickle as love.

Elizabeth reaches out.

Dark hands.

Soft fingers.

Gentle touch.

She caresses the scars.

I hold my breath.

It’s my first time letting someone that close.

It’s… frightening.

“Did it hurt?” She winces.

“Like hell. I had to go to therapy just to regain use of my hands.” I swallow hard. “While I was in the hospital, she brought the divorce papers. Every stroke of the pen was physical agony, but I signed them, quit my job and moved out of town.”

“But you came back.”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because Steph got worse.”

“Steph gave you a purpose.”

“I have to save her.” I meet Elizabeth’s eyes. “She’s the only good thing that came out of that marriage.”

Elizabeth sighs sorrowfully.

She’s still rasping her fingers over my hand.

Still tantalizing me with her fragrance.

Tempting me with her touch.

Her brown eyes.

Her body.

I snatch her wrist.

Feel her tremble.

Damn.

I’ve got to rein my desire in.

Have to remember why I’m here.

Why she’s here.

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