Chapter 25

• I wake up to feather-light kisses being showered across my neck and shoulders. My back is to Beau. I squeeze my eyes shut, pretending to still be asleep as his arm comes up from behind and snakes around my waist. Hopefully he doesn't see through it. I can’t face him after last night. I don't know what I was thinking asking him to sleep with me. Shame washes over me. How could I sleep with Beau after everything that’s happened and, worse, how could I say those words to him? Beau doesn't deserve to hear me say that. I didn't even know I still felt that way until last night. It just slipped out. I’d convinced myself that what I felt for Beau was purely attraction. But I was clearly lying to myself. I don't even want to imagine how big his ego must be now that he knows I still love him. God! I’m such an idiot.
• I’m pulled from my thoughts once I notice the absence of Beau's warm lips against my skin. The covers rustle and I think he might be getting up but I still don’t move, only opening my eyes once I hear a door open and close. A relieved sigh escapes my mouth as I realize he left. Thank God, I was worried he would never get up.
• I jump out of bed and begin to look for my clothes. I find my dress that, thank the Lord, Beau didn't rip last night. It’s a bit more difficult to locate my underwear. They seem to have disappeared. I look everywhere before I give up finding them and throw on my dress. It's not the first time I’ve been without underwear. Tiptoeing to the door, I open it quietly. I run down the stairs and search the living room for my shoes.