Color rose slowly up his throat.
“I was asleep.”
“Yes.”
“Did it sound like me?”
The question surprised me.
“It sounded like you.”
“Now or before?”
“Both.”
He looked down at the toast.
I resisted the urge to cross the table and touch him.
“Do you want me to forget it?” I asked.
“No.”
The answer came quickly.
Then he rubbed his thumb along the mug handle.
“I don’t know what it means.”
“It does not have to mean anything you are not ready for.”
“That’s not what I asked.”
“No.”
He looked at me.
There was embarrassment in his face, but no panic.
“I think I’m getting there.”
My heart struck hard.
“To what?”
“You know.”
“I would rather hear you say it when you know.”
His mouth curved faintly.
“Difficult man.”
“You liked that about me.”
“I’m beginning to understand why.”
He finished the coffee.
