“I guess.” She wandered through the apartment, much as he had hers. When she studied his collection of framed photos, the expression on her face broke his heart. Glancing up, she saw him watching her. “Pictures of friends and family,” she said wistfully, sitting on his rumpled sofa. “It’s nice.”

She deserved friends and family of her own, Tony thought. She was a good person. Yet, somehow, she’d wound up stuck in a life that was less than she deserved and more than she wanted.

He wasn’t to blame for that, but he’d played a part. Years ago, he’d abandoned her because he felt that, without a pro hockey career, he didn’t measure up to her standards. He’d really believed that. But then he’d come to terms with the end of his dream and made a new life for himself.

It occurred to him that Elaine was still rich and sophisticated. But he no longer considered her out of his league. Life had sent him a bum shot, and he’d made his peace with that. Now life was giving him a second chance.

He watched the way her throat moved as she took a swallow of wine. She had the kind of face that would always be beautiful, at any age, glowing with youth or softened and lined by years. He knew he wanted to be there for that transformation, no matter how crazy it seemed and how different their worlds were. And he wanted it all to start now.

The air between them was hot, electric. Some things never changed.

“Elaine.” He took her glass and set it with his on the coffee table. “What are you doing here?”

Chapter Fourteen

chapter fourteen

Elaine wasn’t sure how to answer him. She clenched and unclenched her hands as she watched him, his attention focused wholly on her. Even though they weren’t touching, she could feel his warmth; he glowed with it. She wasn’t sure how to answer his question. What are you doing here?

She wanted nothing. She wanted everything. And he would never understand.

Silently, deliberately, she slid toward him on the sofa, pressed her hands to his chest. He took in a quick breath, then grabbed her wrists. At first she feared he was going to push her away, but he gripped her hand and lifted it to his lips. Then his mouth lowered over hers, brushing lightly and finally pressing, exploring. It was the kind of kiss she didn’t experience anymore. It was fierce and deeply honest, sharing emotions that could not be shaped into words.

She felt as though someone had touched a flame to a fast-burning fuse. Everything welled up inside her and spilled over, as though all her longing and desires converged in this single desperate moment.