Wanted by Her Lost Love

disgruntled sigh. “Just trying to find something towear tonight. Something that doesn’t make me looklike the tramp they think I am.”Ryan’s expression gentled and he trailed a fingerover her cheekbone. Taking her arms, he backedout of her closet and toward the bed until the back ofhis legs bumped against the mattress.He sat down and pulled her down with him.“You’ll look beautiful no matter what you wear.Stop worrying so much.”“I know. It’s silly. I can’t help it. I’m nervous.”“I don’t want you to worry, Kell. The past is in thepast. I don’t know that I’ve ever said the words, but Iforgive you. And if I can forgive you then they shouldbe able to do the same.”She went completely still. Pain jolted through herchest as if someone had stabbed her. Not that sheknew what it felt like but it couldn’t be worse thanthis.He forgave her.For something she’d never done. For somethinghe refused to believe she hadn’t done.It took all the strength she possessed not to react,not to lash out. He hadn’t said it to hurt her. but he