‘We have to work closely with each other, so I need you to understand why I might seem… withdrawn. I do this to protect you. I don’t want you to see this as a rebuff. I admire you too much for that.’
The breath she drew in was more of a noisy gasp. She felt the heady push of tears as the tumult of emotion crashed inside her chest. Churning. Crushing. ‘I… I understand.’ Her voice was no more than a heated whisper.
He placed his hand over hers. His skin seared the back of her hand. To know she couldn’t have this touch, this closeness with him. That it was a liability working against both of them. It was too much to bear. Thoughts rebounded in her mind, in as much upheaval as her emotions. The only clear thought was that she didn’t want to cry in front of him.
She worked hard to clear her
