the waist and steadied her until she stood upright.
She clung to his lapels and laughed shakily. “Thanks. That’s not the first time you’ve saved me from falling flat on my ass.”
“I’ll always be there to catch you, Annalee.” His voice was a low rumble. “If you let me.”
She flung her arms around him.
“I’m sorry,” she murmured into his shoulder, her lips brushing the soft wool of his jacket. She looked up at him. “I’m so sorry.”
He gazed down at her. Even in the light of the street lamps, she saw the sadness in his eyes. “No, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have blown up at you that night. I’ve had years to think about my feelings. I can’t expect you to—”
“You were right. I was stuck in my anger. When Denny came over and got in my face, I just felt so—” She shook her head. She didn’t want to talk about Denny. “But I brought you home because I wanted to be with you . That’s all.” She took a breath before she took the leap. “I want to be with you. I don’t deserve your love, but—”
She could say no more because he stopped her words with a kiss. Annalee gripped his shoulders. Her core grew soft and melty, her knees turned to pudding. When they broke the kiss, she blinked her blurry eyes.
“You deserve everything good, Annalee.”
It was all there in his face. He still loved her. Thank God. She laid her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes in relief.
Eric’s hold loosened. “Let’s get inside. It’s cold out here.”
She wasn’t cold. She was warm all over, being with him, knowing how much he cared. How much she cared for him. He’d been so brave, so honest with her. She’d been the coward. But no more.No more fear. No more doubts.
She slipped her hand into Eric’s. From now on, she’d hold on tight. No letting go.
About the Author
Nona Raines became hooked on romances when she first picked up The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen Woodiwiss (and she’s not telling how long ago that was). Romances may have changed since then, but her love for a good love story has not. She’s been writing off and on for years, but when she joined the Central New York Romance Writers Association, she finally gained the support and confidence she needed to complete a manuscript.
Nona lives in upstate New York with her many pets and is currently working on her next novel. She is thrilled to be among the authors of The Wild Rose Press.
Visit Nona at
www.nonaraines.com
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and other Wild Rose Press authors, join us at www.groups.yahoo.com/group/thewildrosepress.
Thank you for purchasing this
publication of The Wild Rose Press, Inc.