Free New Beginnings by Cheryl Douglas Page A

benefit?”
    She scowled at him. “Of course. What other reason could there be?”
    “Could be that I’ve never taken it off.”
    “You’re lying.”
    “No, I’m not. Look at the pictures; there must be dozens of them on the net. You’ll see that I’m wearing this ring in every single photo.”
    “Why?” she whispered, looking him in the eye.
    “Isn’t it obvious?”

 
     
Chapter Seven
     
    Sierra tried to ignore the tingling sensation sliding over her skin as she led the way up the winding path toward his music studio. She could feel his eyes boring into her backside, the heat of his gaze making her feel vulnerable and exposed.
    As soon as they entered the studio, she eyed the familiar black leather book on the low table. There was a folded note sitting on top.
    The note read, “ Sierra, You left this in the car. I’m sorry for the way I acted. I’d like to talk more tonight. Please call me when you get back to the hotel. I love you, Eric.”
    She fisted the note and tossed it into a nearby garbage can. She didn’t want to think about Eric or their relationship right now. The time would come when she would have to make some difficult decisions, but right now, she just wanted to focus on the task at hand.
    “Are you ready to get started?” Trey asked.
    She slid her palm over the soft leather of the treasured album and wondered whether she was ready. Last night, it seemed like a good idea to share her songbook with Trey. She thought it might spark his creativity, but now the prospect seemed terrifying. Sharing her lyrics would be like reliving their relationship all over again.
    He reached for the book. “May I take a look?”
    “You remember?” He had the monogrammed album custom made for her when she earned her undergraduate degree. He told her he was so proud of her, but he didn’t want her to lose her creativity, her essence, in her quest to care for others.
    Reluctantly, she relinquished the book.
    He ran his fingertips over the gold embossed initials, S.B.T .  He opened the book carefully, re-reading his imprinted inscription.
     
    Sierra,
    You always have been, always will be, my muse. You inspire me in countless
    ways every day.  Your influence has made me a better artist, and more
    importantly, a better man. I only hope in some small way I have inspired you
    to be the best you can be. I believe in you more than I have ever believed in
    anyone, myself included. I know you will accomplish great things in life; this is
    only the beginning of your journey. I am so proud to call you my wife, my
    lover, my best friend.
    I love you,
    Trey
     
    He swallowed, visibly affected by the words.  “I had it all, Sierra.” He looked her in the eye. “I had you, a baby, my career, more money than I could ever spend. How could I have been so stupid?”
    She couldn’t stand to see him in so much pain, blaming himself when she deserved to share the blame for what happened to their marriage. She painted him as the villain in her mind because it gave her the strength to move on, but it was time for her to admit the truth. She gave up when she should have stayed, fought for him, honored their marriage vows. “Don’t do this, Trey. It isn’t entirely your fault.”
    “Don’t. Please don’t,” he whispered, his voice breaking. “I don’t want you to give me a pass for the things I did. I was a thoughtless, selfish bastard. I didn’t deserve you, Sierra.”
    She reached out to him, pulling him into her arms. “I want to put the past behind us, Trey.” She felt the steady beat of his heart and wished there was something she could do or say to make him forgive himself for his perceived sins. No one deserved to suffer this way. “I want us to be friends.”
    He set the book down on the bar behind her and drew her into his arms, holding onto her as though he never intended to let go. “I need you,” he whispered. “It’s true. You were my inspiration. You still are.”
    She felt the power of his