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than that, she wanted him to love the real her, with all her flaws
and secrets. She wanted him to know the whole truth.
They kissed for a long time in the kitchen, their bodies pressed
together, his hand moving over her back and in her hair. She
shivered at the feel of the slight stubble on his cheeks. When he
ran a finger over the skin of her arm, she felt a flood of liquid heat
course through her body.
“I want to be with you but I can’t,” she finally whispered, hoping
that he wouldn’t be angry.
“It’s okay,” he whispered. “There’s no way tonight could have
been any more wonderful than it’s already been.”
“But you’re disappointed.”
He brushed a strand of hair from her face. “It’s not possible for
you to disappoint me,” he said.
She swallowed, trying to rid herself of her fears.
“There’s something you should know about me,” she whispered.
“Whatever it is, I’m sure I can handle it.”
She leaned into him again.
“I can’t be with you tonight,” she whispered, “for the same reason
I could never marry you.” She sighed. “I have a husband.”
“I know,” he whispered.
“It doesn’t matter to you?”
“It’s not perfect, but trust me, I’m not perfect, either, so maybe it’s
best if we take all of this one day at a time. And when you’re
ready, if you’re ever ready, I’ll be waiting.” He brushed her cheek
with his finger. “I love you, Katie. You might not be ready to say