Page 52 of Ashes to Ashes
I blew out a long breath, and ran my hand roughly through my hair. I rested my palms, fingers entwined, on top of my head. “I don’t even know where to start,” I admitted. “I haven’t talked about that day to anyone. Ever.”
“Noone?”
I shook my head. “Not asoul.”
Rae crossed her arms, hugging her middle. “Whenever I’ve had to talk about something I wasn’t proud of, I found it easiest to start at the beginning.”
“The beginning,” I muttered and then held my breath for a count of three. Releasing it, I nodded. “I suppose it’s as good a place asany.”
“Do you want to sit down?” she asked, nodding toward the livingroom.
My eyes following hers, I considered the long story ahead, the uncomfortable truths I was going to lay before her. The terrible current running through my limbs that made me want to turn and run. “Yeah, I think that’s smart.”
I was almost through the doorway when I stopped and waited for her to join me. For all that I’d fought my feelings for her, I needed this woman by my side. I needed to touch Rae more than I needed my next breath. I held out my hand and she glanced down, then back up. I saw recognition and understanding pass through her whiskey-coloredeyes.
A few moments later, she was settled in snug against my chest, back to front, while my arm was draped across her middle. “Take all the time you need,” she said. “I’m not going anywhere.”
