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She wrapped her arms around her middle, wishing she had a pillow to hold. “Do what?”
“Go off someplace. I never knew where you went, but you always got that same pained expression on your face.”
No one had ever told her that. Not even Becky. Annie would have liked to know. Had no idea that her expression was so readable.
“Why didn’t you ever ask me about it?”
Hands in his slacks pockets, he stood there, looking more handsome than any forty-year-old man had the right to look after a full day’s work and a walk from the outskirts of town. “I figured if you wanted me to know, you’d tell me.”
Such a Blakelike response. And so frustrating.
“I didn’t know you even noticed,” she said. “Or cared what I thought about.”
“Of course I cared!”
“You never said you did.”
“I wouldn’t have married you, if I didn’t care.”
She stood toe to toe with him, chin slightly raised as she looked him in the eye. “Caring takes many forms, Blake. You have to communicate what you want for other people to understand and give it to you.”
“I’ve never been much of a talker. You know that.”
She did know. And here they were, after six years of separation, right where they’d been so many times before in their relationship. Caring, but unable to connect on that deep level that kept two people together.
Or at least gave them a hope of making it.
“Why’d you come here tonight?”
He glanced down. “Why are you sleeping on your living-room floor?”
Annie thought about telling him her bed frame had broken. Or that she had a leak in the bedroom ceiling. She was tempted. But she’d never been able to lie to Blake.
Knowing she was probably going to regret having him know the truth, she said, “Because I couldn’t get back in my bed after sharing it with you.”
She’d made it through the confession without showing obvious emotion. Inside, however, she was falling apart. She needed this man. God, how she needed him. Just for now. For tonight. Just for a moment. While she figured out where she went next in this crazy life of hers.
It happened every time. Just as soon as she thought she had things in order, as soon as she was on board with the plan, there was another twist.
“Why not?” His words were dangerously soft. He hadn’t moved, but he felt closer.
“I was afraid I’d miss you too much.”
His eyes narrowed. Darkened. “You want me back in your bed?”
Annie shrugged uncomfortably. Not liking the way he was putting her on the spot.
“Why did you come, Blake?”
“The same reason you’re sleeping on your living-room floor.”
Yeah. She’d been afraid of that. And hoping for it, too.
“What are we going to do?”
“Do you want me in your bed tonight, Annie?”
“You know the answer to that.”
