her； his expression shocked her into
awareness。 〃Don't go！〃 she cried。
〃I have to。 For this one release； I'd be buying a huge packet of pain。〃
〃No！〃 Her fingers tightened on his shoulders until her knuckles turned
white。 She was close to panic。 〃Please； Ross。 I've never asked you for
anything else。 But please 。。。 now 。。。 I can't bear it！〃
The impetus was hers； lips and arms and hips all working against him
until he surrendered with a moan。 Falling to the bed and rolling to his
back； he drew her over him； and she loved him that way。 She couldn't say
the words he wanted to hear； but her body could show him what she felt。
It did that； and quite well。 By the time the sun's golden rays breached
the windowsill and glistened on their sweat； they were totally spent。
Rasping breaths broke the air； but otherething
was wrong。 Chloe felt it the instant her pulse began to slow。 There was
no talk。 No closeness。 The satisfaction that usually kept them warm and
entwined faded fast。
Ross rose from the bed； retrieved his robe； and left the room。 Alone
again； Chloe curled into a tight ball with the covers pulled to her
ears。
Apparently； it was time to put up or shut up。 Ross couldn't live with
half…measures…but then； had she really thought he would？ Her body might
love him to bits； but if she couldn't love the rest with her head and
her heart