Chapter 11

Jennifer took a step closer, her heartbeat pounding in her ears. "I need something real, something even for a moment." They stared deep into one another's eyes. Neither one moved. Until they did. Byron reached for her gently, giving her every opportunity to pull away. But she did not. She leaned in, gasping for breath. And then their lips met. It was not rushed. Not forced. Slow, deep, aching with the sadness of all their mutual restraint. Jennifer leaned into him, fingers digging into his shirt. Byron's hands framed her face as though she were precious and utterly breakable. The kiss was incendiary as it was soothing. Jennifer was breathless and panting after the kiss. Her lips tingle, and her heart felt like it was attempting to shout itself out of her chest. Byron rested his forehead against hers and said, "That was real." She nodded. "Yeah, it was." But the moment didn't go on before a furious buzzing sound erupted from the countertop: her phone. Turning, dread-anticipating w