“Slow,” he agreed. But his hand stayed on my face, thumb still tracing my cheekbone like he couldn’t quite make himself stop touching me.
He picked up the book again, found his place, and started reading like nothing inside him had just broken open.
And even though he hadn’t kissed me, even though I couldn’t remember falling in love with him the first time, this felt perfect.
This felt like something I could fall into and never want to climb back out of.
This felt like love.
Even if I couldn’t remember it yet.
CHAPTER 9
Claudette
Pauline arrivedmid-morning carrying two iced coffees.
“I brought sustenance,” she announced, handing me one. “And I’m expecting a full report on married life. Details, Claudette. I want details.”
We settled on the couch, and I found myself smiling already. “It’s been… good, actually. Strange, but good.”
I told her about the organized books. How Michael seemed to know exactly what I loved even down to food preferences, like he’d always paid attention to everything.
“That’s because he has been,” Pauline said with a grin. “I told you the man was gone for you. Absolutely smitten. Has been since forever.”
“You never told me that.” I pointed out.
Her eyes widened as though caught in a lie, then she smiled sheepishly.
“Yes I did. You just don’t remember.” She kicked off her shoes and tucked her feet under her. “So? Have you two done it yet? Was it everything teenage-you dreamed of?” She looked too eager.
I smacked her playfully, where was her sense of shame.
“We’re taking things slow.” I replied, my mind drifting to the almost kiss.
Pauline rolled her eyes. “You’re married. How much slower can you take it?”
Before I could respond, I heard the front door open. Male voices in the hallway—Michael’s and another I recognized instantly.
Jack.
Pauline went completely still, like someone had hit pause on her entire nervous system. Her coffee paused halfway to her mouth, and something shifted in her expression. Something that looked almost like panic.
“Did you know he was coming?” she asked quietly.
“No. Michael didn’t mention it.”
They walked into the living room, and I watched it happen in real time. Jack saw Pauline. Pauline saw Jack. The temperature in the room dropped ten degrees. The air between them was so thick that I practically felt suffocated being in the same room with them.
Jack stopped mid-sentence, whatever he’d been saying to Michael dying in his throat.
Pauline looked away first, her attention was back to her coffee.
“Claudie.” Jack finally tore his eyes away from Pauline. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m good. Pauline just got here.”
“I can see that.” His gaze lingered on her, and I rose a brow. Pauline had angled her body away from Jack, Jack’s jaw was clenched tight. Now I was more than certain that something was happening, or had happened.
