Page 203 of Puck Me Back to Life

I lean back in the chair and think about the question. “Better.”

She nods, waiting.

“Still hard.”

“I imagine it is.”

I rub my palms together. “I've been sleeping better.”

“That's good.”

“I'm eating three meals a day thanks to Ash.”

“Also good.”

I smile faintly. “I'm cooking.”

She smiles back. “Ash still enjoying that?”

I laugh under my breath. “I don't think he's eaten this many vegetables in his entire life.”

“How are things between the two of you?”

The question makes me pause.

“They're…” I search for the right word. “Good.”

“But?”

I sigh. “He's treating me like I'm made of glass.”

Sonia tilts her head slightly. “What does that look like?”

“He hovers.” I smile despite myself. “He asks if I'm okay every fifteen minutes. He won't let me carry groceries. He insists on driving everywhere. He checks that I've eaten.” I shake my head. “It's sweet.”

“But?”

“I miss him.”

She waits.

“I mean…” Heat creeps into my face. “I miss us.”

Understanding settles across her expression.

“You've stopped being physically intimate.”

I nod. “We haven't had sex since…” I don't finish the sentence. I don't need to. Sonia already knows.

“He won't even start a kiss anymore.” My shoulders lift helplessly. “I'll kiss him. He kisses me back. But if it starts getting heated…” I snap my fingers softly. “He changes the subject.”

“What do you think is happening?”

I think about Ash. About the way he watches me now. Like he's constantly waiting for me to break.

“I think he's scared.”

“Of?”