Page 194 of The Heart You Kept

“For protection.” He turns down his side of the blankets. “There are no guards here, so just in case.”

“Hmm.”

He slides in behind me and pulls me close to his body, we lie spooned together and I feel myself relax again. “Good night, Doe.”

“Good night, my sweet Edward.” I put my hand up to cup his face over my shoulder.

I feel him smile into the darkness.

“What?” I smile too.

“I’ve never been called sweet before.”

“That’s not true. I’m sure your mother thought you were the sweetest little boy she ever knew.”

He falls silent and I inwardly kick myself, why did I say that?

Too far.

I love talking about my late mother, I love being reminded that she loved me, but it doesn’t bring everyone happiness, I need to remember that. He kisses my cheek as I hold his face to mine, his lips linger on my skin, and a beautiful intimacy holds us together.

Unspoken words hang between us; I can feel them in the air. Building, growing…. Manifesting into a tangible force.

This feels a lot like love….

Brrrrr, brrrrr, brrrrr.

I wake with a start and reach over for my phone to hit the alarm and lie back and smile sleepily.

What a night.

Hours and hours of time with him.

Wait….

I open my eyes to see his side of the bed is empty, and I sit up. “Edward,” I call.

Silence….

I can’t feel his presence, surely he wouldn’t have left without saying goodbye…. Would he?

“Edward,” I call again as I climb out of bed and grab my robe. I rush down the stairs. “Edward.” But I can already tell he isn’t here, perhaps he’s out in the garden.

As I get to the bottom of the stairs my fears are realized, he’s not here. Did he not want to wake me or….

Then I see it, a note on the kitchen counter.

Good Morning Alora.

As usual in your company I had a wonderful time last night, you are so very beautiful.

My heart sinks as I read on.

On greater reflection over our conversation last night I’ve come to the realization that we cannot continue on this journey.

Unfortunately I am not in a position to offer what you are looking for, if only I could, I promise you, I would.

I cherished our time together, and please know that I will never forget you.