Forty-Three
Freya stared at Max’s outstretched hand, everything around her seeming to pause and her world completely silent. She had a decision to make, less about whether she would take his hand, more about whether she could.
She lifted her focus to the warmth in his eyes, his expression pinched like his entire future rested on this moment. Maybe it did. Hers certainly would never be the same, no matter what she chose to do next. And still, with all the thoughts buzzing around in her head, her body was the one to make the decision for her, overriding years of careful and considered life choices.
She watched, powerless, as her hand rose and fingers extended, all too soon sliding home into the upward curve of his palm. Her feet moved, betraying logic, stepping her toward him.
“I can’t t
