TWENTY-EIGHT
My eyes locked on hers, vigilant for any change of expression that would be a precursor to the word no. She gazed back at me, a small smile on her face, until my lips met hers and she closed her eyes as I kissed her lightly.
I pulled away a little, expecting her to break out of my hold, but she stood still, opening her eyes slowly. She let out a fresh peal of laughter, her eyes meeting mine again.
"You always did touch me like a china doll you were afraid would shatter." She put her hands on my shoulders and pressed her body against mine as she stretched up onto her toes. "You won't break me, Nathan," she whispered into my ear. Her hands moved mine so that I held her tighter.
I closed my eyes, wanting to savour the moment, but the memory came unbidden. "I did break you,
