Page 97 of House of Soot

Meghan used to sleep curled against my side, head tucked under my chin. The memory adds to the growing guilt. What would she think of me now, lying next to another woman? A woman whose very presence makes my skin tingle with awareness?

Hannah sighs in her sleep and rolls toward me. Her hand brushes my arm, and electricity shoots through my veins. My body responds instantly, hungry for touch after so many years of self-imposed isolation.

I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to fight the attraction. I roll away, putting as much distance between us as the bed allows.But I can still feel her presence behind me, still smell her floral scent. Sleep is impossible.

I slip from the bed, careful not to wake her. I have to escape my own lust.

As I make my way to the couch, Meghan's face floats in my mind. I think of the ring I'd planned to give her that still sits in my desk drawer, a talisman to keep her near me. It’s all I have left of us.

I suck in a cleansing breath as I lie on the couch, steeling my resolve. I won’t let my libido get the best of me. No matter how much Hannah calls to me, I’ll resist.

I vowed to Meghan that I’d love her forever. I won’t break that promise. Never.

TO BE CONTINUED.