Page 44 of Nigel

"How few?"

She started to saysomething snide but thought better of it. "A few days."

"I see." Hewas retreating. She could tell by just looking at him.

"I don't knowwhat you want," she ventured desperately.

"What do youwant?"

"You. God, I amscared, Nigel. I am terrified that this is going to end and I couldnot bear it. I am afraid that you are going to find someone else-"

"I love you."

She felt the tremorsstarting and had to blink back tears. "Still?"

He smiled slightly."You expected me to stop?"

She nodded. "Afterwhat I said-"

"I tried."He told her bluntly. "After you left and did not call, I triedeverything in my power to forget you. But I am stuck." His handsgripped the back of her neck. "You hurt me something fierce andI never want to feel that kind of pain again. So, I am asking youagain, what do you want?"

"You," shewhispered.

"Why?"

"Because-"She closed her eyes briefly. "I have never felt this way beforeand it terrifies me but I cannot be away from you." Bending herhead, she brushed her lips against his and felt the quivers. "Idon't know where this is going, but I don't care. I just-"

She splayed her handover his chest, feeling the unsteady rhythm of his heart. "Ineed you." Pushing her gently back, he covered her body withhis.

"I am notletting you go." He warned, hands cupping her face. "Do youunderstand?"

"Yes." Shetouched his chin in wonder. "You have a shadow."

"I did notbother shaving this morning. I was standing here wondering if Ishould swallow my hurt and pain and come after you."

"You told me itwas too late."

"I wanted tohurt you as much as you hurt me. Petty of me, I know, but I wasdestroyed when you left." He kissed her forehead. He could notbelieve she was here with him of her own volition. "Am Icrushing you?"

"No. Stay. Weshould go back to your place."

"In a minute."He touched her cheeks. "I won't ask you to marry me."

She jolted at that."I see."

He chuckled at theexpression on her beautiful face. "I could not stand anotherrejection. Whenever you are ready-"

"I am."

He blinked at her andshe moved beneath him restlessly. "Just give me time to tell myfamily about you. This has happened so fast that I am stillspinning."

"You need time."

She nodded. "Iam not going anywhere. I promise you."

"Good, because Iam not letting you go." He kissed her hungrily, sending herblood pressure through the roof.

"Nigel,"she moaned.