bChapter /bb689 /b

Edward’s deep voice murmured in my ear, and my heart pounded uncontrobly.

Once a guy figures out how to act soft and vulnerable, a woman’s defenses don’t stand a chance.

No, no, no, I had to keep my head clear. I couldn’t let one line from Edward turn me into some kind of saint, giving him all my love for nothing.

“Edward, I’m sorry for leaving so suddenly tonight,” I said, steering the conversation away.

After a few drinks, I realized I just wasn’t myself tonight.

How could I let myself get all jealous just because he still cares about his ex–wife?

Edward let go of me and gazed down at me.

I smiled, biting my lip. “You picked out such a gorgeous dress for me, and then I just walked out halfway through. That was pretty rude of me.”

Being polite was just another way to turn someone down, and sometimes, silence said it all.

Edward, sly as ever, shot me a look that could see right through me.

“Alright, I’m not mad at you,” Edward said, his voice softening. “Will youe home with me tonight?”

I shook my head. “I want to stay here tonight.”

Edward nced at the elevator, a resigned look in his eyes. “Alright, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I nodded.

Just as he was about to leave, I realized I was still clutching his gloves in

my

hand.

“It’s cold out. Put them on,” I said.

Edward took them from me, giving me a long, thoughtful look with those deep eyes of his.

When I got back upstairs, ine looked at me in surprise. “Ms. Murphy, why didn’t you go with him?”

“Just didn’t feel like it,” I replied, feeling worn out. I flopped down on the couch and rubbed my temples.

ine sidled over, her curiosity written all over her face. “Ms. Murphy, who is he? He doesn’t look like your average guy.”

“Why are you so interested?” I asked with a smile.

ine clicked her tongue. “I knew it. Someone as gorgeous as you never has a shortage of men–what’s rare bis /bfinding one with that kind of high–ss aura.”

I paused, thinking back to everything that happened after my divorce. Whether it was Nathan or Ryan, they were the ones chasing after me, and I only ended up dating them when I was single and unattached.

If I ever made the first move…

I felt a little bitter. Did Edward count as someone I went after?

Or maybe I’m just at the peak of my looks and age right now. Maybe when I hit my thirties, I’ll spot a guy I really like and actually chase after him, putting my pride aside.

I tossed my hair. Even if I get older, I’m not going to humble myself for anyone.

Once you get all lovesick, your brain just stops working.

The next day…

With sses winding down, our instructors started cutting back, so we got half the afternoon off to do whatever we wanted.

I was even more free these days.

Edward called me the next afternoon and asked if I wanted to go skiing.

I was surprised. “Skiing? Now? I thought winter was already over.”

Edward justughed. “There are still ces you can ski, but we’d have to catch a flight.”

Edward’s lifestyle was on a whole other levelpared to regr folks–even the way he traveled was something most people could only dream of.

“Sorry, I’m not really up for it. Plus, I’ve never skied a day in my life,” I admitted.

“Then… can you swim?” Edward asked.

“I’ve learned, I can swim, but I’m not that good at it,” I replied.

Edwardughed. “Want me toe pick you up and take you swimming?”

‘Looks like Edward really ising over. Guess I can’t dodge him this time,’ I thought.

I sighed and gave in. “Alright.”

Edward picked me up at the school gate and drove me out to a mountain retreat.

The pool was heated, and there was still snow clinging to the mountainside. Edward told me there was a natural hot spring up the hill, and that we could go rx thereter.

As I watched the sun dip below the mountains, I turned to him and asked, “You really seem to be living the good life. I remember guys like Jared and Nathan–those two are always working their tails off.”