I turned onto my side and hooked an arm around Grace’s waist. Hauled her closer. She made a little noise in her throat, then nestled in against me. Inhaling deeply, I smelled her hair. Her skin. Her scent settled in my lungs, triggering a deep response in my brain. Contentment. Satisfaction. Relief. I didn’t know what came next. My reasons for keeping us apart hadn’t gone anywhere. Being with Grace like this made me feel better, but the blissful peace wasn’t permanent.
