Wanted by Her Lost Love

“Why does that make you cry?”Ryan wiped at the tear that trailed down hercheek, his expression one of completebewilderment. Then he leaned in and kissed themoisture away.She braced her hands on his arms, her mind achaotic twist of anger and wretched grief. It tookevery bit of her strength to gather her shatteredcomposure and speak to him when what she wantedto do was flee.“If this has any hope of working, you’ll neverbreathe his name to me again. You were the onewho wanted this. One week. No past. Forget thepast. It’s what you said. I’m holding you to it. Youbring him up ever again, and I walk—no, I run. Arewe clear?”He looked shocked by her vehemence. Heopened his mouth as if he wanted to push further, butshe shook her head and started to slide from his lap.He made a grab for her, pulling her close to himagain. “All right. No past. I won’t bring it up again. Ipromise. Will you stay, Kelly? Will you work withme?”She closed her eyes again and the fight left her.