Laura’s POV
The moment Richard’s lips brushed mine, everything inside me froze. It wasn’t passion—it was panic. Reality hit hard, clearing the fog that had been blinding me for weeks. What was I doing?
I stepped back immediately, breathing hard. “Richard, no. This isn’t right,” I said, my voice trembling. “I’m married. I can’t do this to Elijah.”
He looked shocked, guilt written across his face. “Laura, I didn’t mean to—”
“I know,” I interrupted before he could finish. “But that doesn’t make it okay.” I rubbed my temples, trying to calm the pounding in my chest. “You’re Elijah’s friend, for God’s sake. What just happened can’t happen again.”
He lowered his head, his voice rough with regret. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have crossed that line.”
The air between us grew heavy.
