Spell out what?
"I'm in love with you, Hope Soukoulis. And it's why I want you to be mine forever, even if I don't deserve it."
Chapter Eight
"You're quiet again."
It was the morning after...that.She had woken in his arms. He had made love to her again before breakfast. And it was just now, when they were having coffee, that Colin spoke of the elephant in the room.
Hope struggled to find something to say. Remembering how she always abandoned all inhibitions in his arms was usually what caused her embarrassment. But right now, what she had a hard time facing was the memories of Colin telling her the truth about her feelings.
"I don't expect an answer from you."
That he believed there was a need to say this had her gaze flying to him in dismay. "I know that."
"Then stop acting like I'm invisible."
She hadn't even realized that was how her actions seemed to him until he spoke, and her horror grew. "I'm so sorry, Colin. It's not like that at all." And this time, embarrassment wasn't enough to stand in her way.
She loved him, after all. Even before he had fallen in love with her, he had already stolen her heart. But for some reason, she just...couldn't make herself admit this.
And why was that, God? I love him, but I can't seem to make myself say the words. Please help me understand.
But even as her heart cried these words out to the heavens, Hope was already moving, even stumbling in her haste as she jumped out of her chair so she could rush to her husband's side and throw her arms around his neck.
"I'm sorry, Colin," she whispered. "I didn't mean to hurt you."
He pulled away as if needing to see the truth in her eyes. "You'll only hurt me if you leave."
"I won't. I promise."
And she meant it.
At that time.
But afterwards?
