A hole in my soul that is no longer screaming.
Paige’s eyes are still swollen from all the crying she did yesterday afternoon and throughout the night, but she’s no less beautiful because of it. She reaches out and slides her finger up and down my arm.
I close my eyes, reveling in the feel of it. I desperately want to kiss her and let my hands explore her body. I want to make her feel something other than regret or loss or sadness. But she’s too bruised and tired and vulnerable right now.
“I can’t stop thinking about it,” she whispers. “Can you hold me?”
I pull her against my chest and wrap my arms around her. She looks up at me for a moment and then she smiles.
“You’re so damn beautiful,” she whispers. “Has anyone ever told you that?”
“No one who mattered,” I rumble back.
She gives
