"I know," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper as she leaned into his touch, the ache in her leg slowly easing under his careful ministrations. "It's just hard to manage everything right now."
"Hard for you or hard for me?" he countered, his eyes piercing as they searched hers, a challenge hidden in his words. The tension between them was palpable, like a taut string ready to snap.
Barbara felt her pulse quicken as she held his gaze, her thoughts racing. The way his fingers stroked her skin sent warmth radiating through her body, and she struggled to find her voice. "Why did you come here?" Seeking a distraction from the yearning that swirled within her, she asked, "Can't sleep?"
His expression darkened momentarily, a flicker of conflict crossing his features as if her question
