Page 52

He shifted so that he could see her face.
“I ended things.”
“Why?”
He considered how much he should tell her without giving anything away. “It was just physical.”
She stared at him curiously as if trying to ascertain whether he was telling her the truth.
“How did she feel about it?”
He hesitated briefly. “She knew initially that it was nothing permanent.”
She arched a brow at him. That is an amazingly effective way of not answering the question.”
His gaze remained steady on hers. “I just think that is not an appropriate discussion at this time. It is in the past.”
“Is it that easy for you?”
A frown touched his brow. “Yes, if only my body was involved, then it is that easy. We had a mutual agreement, not a relationship.”
“It’s different for men.”
“I suppose it is.” He answered carefully.
“For women, it much more than physical.”
“I suppose it is.” He repeated.
“The sex…”
“No.” He put a finger against her lips. “I do not feel comfortable discussing my past relationships with you. Just like I would not want to hear what you did in bed with that - that bastard who deceived you. Is that clear?” He jolted when she bit his finger.
“What was that for?”
“I like the taste of you and love when you get all formal and uppity.” And just like that, her mood had changed. He had to admit that she had him spinning in circles. For the first time in his life, he had no idea whether he was coming or going.
“You witch.” He whispered, pushing her back on the pillows and covering her body with his. “For that, you deserve to pay.”
“Looking forward to it.”
*****
It was not long before their playful banter gave way to a more serious conversation. She drew a deep breath, her eyes searching his. "Do you think it's ever possible to really move on from someone?"
He paused, considering her question carefully. "I think it depends on the person and the circumstances. Some people leave a mark that never truly fades, while others..., they become just a distant memory."
She nodded slowly, processing his words. "And what about us? Do you think we will be able to move on if things don't work out?"
His gaze softened as he brushed a strand of hair from her face. "I don't even want to consider that possibility.”
Her lips curved into a small smile.
They lay in silence for a moment, the weight of their conversation hanging in the air. Finally, he broke the stillness with a soft chuckle. "You know, for someone who claims to like the taste of me, you sure have a funny way of showing it."
She laughed, the tension dissipating. "Well, I can't help it if you taste so good."
He grinned, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Just promise me one thing."