As If You Never Left Me (Crimson Romance) Read Online Free PDF Page B

chaste.
    This was not an easy thing to do.
    After what seemed an eternity of hovering on the edge of complete surrender, she drew back. Looking down into his soft smile, her face went hot. With desire or embarrassment, she wasn’t sure. At least he didn’t look smug.
    She straightened, clearing her throat. “I’ll see you later.”
    This time, she forced herself to leave.

Chapter Three
     
    Perry was helping a customer when Joely entered the shop. She looked up with a question on her face and Joely shook her head, going into the office. She knew Perry was concerned, and Joely hated putting her off, but the customers had to come first. So Joely would have a few minutes to gather her scattered, confused, and admittedly rather aroused feelings before she tried to talk to Perry.
    She couldn’t believe she’d kissed Rey. She really couldn’t believe it had felt so … good. No, so right. It wasn’t supposed to feel right. They were supposed to be on their way to a divorce.
    “Don’t kid yourself,” she muttered. She sat at the desk and put her face in her hands. “You should have divorced him fourteen months ago.”
    “So why didn’t you?”
    Joely jerked, looking up. She’d been so lost in her own thoughts, she hadn’t even heard Perry open the office door.
    “I wish I knew, Perry.”
    Perry sat down in the chair in front of the desk and smiled. “I just sold a four-hundred-dollar necklace. Not your work, but it’s a nice commission.”
    “Wow. The turquoise piece?”
    “That’s the one.” Perry’s smile faded into a put-on frown. “I really liked that one.”
    “You couldn’t have afforded it, even with your employee discount.”
    “Yeah, but what about that Christmas bonus you promised me?”
    Joely laughed. “It isn’t going to be that big.”
    “Damn.” Perry scooted closer to the desk. “Okay, now tell me what’s up with the ex. Oh, wait, he’s not technically the ex, is he?”
    Joely groaned. “No, he’s not. Don’t remind me. This situation is difficult enough without having to deal with that particular wrinkle.” She pressed the back of her hand to her mouth a moment, remembering the touch of his lips. The taste, the warmth, the flood of memories that had come back to her. “He wants a second chance, Perry. I don’t know what to do.”
    Her voice broke. Perry’s expression shifted to one of concern. Joely never cried. Perry leaned her elbows on the cluttered desk. “Do you have any reason not to?”
    “The fact he’s been across the country for fourteen months and never bothered to make any contact isn’t enough?”
    “But you said he called a few times, wrote you letters.”
    “Which I never read.”
    “Thinking about digging them up?”
    “I kissed him.”
    Perry’s mouth dropped open. “What? When?”
    “Fifteen minutes ago. Before I left him at the lodge.”
    “Was it good?”
    She closed her eyes a moment. He had tasted so good. “Oh, God, it was fantastic.”
    “The spark’s still there, eh?”
    “In spades.” She covered her face with her hands again. “Perry, I don’t know what to do. I’m so confused.”
    Perry leaned back in her chair, studying her friend and employer with a sympathetic eye. “You said he wants a second chance. What exactly did he propose?”
    “He wants me to give him a month to be my husband again. Totally my husband again. He wants to move into my house.” She wrapped her arms around herself protectively. “I’m not sure I want him that close.”
    Perry nodded. “It seems like a big step, especially after all this time.”
    Relieved, Joely let out a breath. “You don’t think I’m crazy? I mean, being nervous about the possibility of sleeping with my husband?”
    “It does sound crazy when you say it that way, doesn’t it?”
    Joely made a face, but Perry grinned, softening her remark. “No, I don’t think you’re crazy. I think you’re being sensible. I mean, once you sleep with him, you’re making some kind of