Page 61 of Pervade Montego Bay

“Do you have everything you need?” I asked softly.

“I do.”

“You’re low maintenance.”

“So are you.”

“I’m glad you’re here.” I pulled her more tightly against me.

She pressed her cheek to my chest. “I don’t want to go to Prague.”

“What’s in Prague?”

She remained silent for a few moments. “The orchestra.”

“We’ll talk later about where you want to be.”

“But…you remember, right?”

Did I remember telling Emily I was sending her away? That I’d been cruel beyond all comprehension? That I’d not even been there to greet her at the airport? I was able to do those appalling things because my heart had shut her out. Ironically, it was the reason I was in this mess. Now I could see the wisdom of allowing love into my life—if only I deserved it.

“I have no memory of that conversation,” I lied.

“That’s not good.”

“Allow me to forget this one bad memory, Em.”

“I’ve forgotten it, too.” She reached up in the darkness and brushed her fingertips over my face. “You know how I feel about you.”

“I don’t deserve you.”

I should have told her it was love I was feeling…but there would come a time when I’d have to let her go and this would be easier on both of us.

“Are you hungry?” she asked.

“A little.”

“I found some chicken soup in the pantry. I’ll go get it.” She pushed herself up and scooted out of bed.

The loss of her warmth wrenched my heart. I reached for her, wanting to pull her back, even as my stomach grumbled.

“I’ll bring it up on a tray,” she said from the doorway. “Don’t go anywhere.”

I chuckled. “Where would I go?”

“One never knows with you.”

“True.”

She started to walk away, but then paused to look back at me.

“I love it here so much, James. I’ll stay for as long as you need me.”

Her words sounded full of the forgiveness I needed. “Emily, I’m sorry I hurt you. I don’t deserve all this.”

“Oh, stop.”

A noise at the end of the hallway made her turn her head and stare in surprise.