Cautious Read Online Free PDF Page B

when we'd try to make love and he couldn't get an erection, or if he did he couldn't keep it. At first I thought it was me. So I did everything in my power to make myself more attractive to him. I had my hair styled, a manicure, pedicure, a full body wax. I even went and bought a shitload of lingerie. Nothing helped." Amanda drew a shaky breath and took the now steaming kettle from the stove. She filled both cups and carried them back to the table. She sat, her eyes downcast, her shoulders slumped.
    Misty's heart broke for her sister. She had no idea things were going so horribly for Amanda. Misty knew Scott was the center of Amanda's world and to think she'd lost him—it was unbearable.
    "When that didn't work I begged him to go see a doctor, but he refused. We fought about it constantly. Finally I just gave up. Scott withdrew from me, our friends, and our social commitments. Everything. I felt so helpless. So when another man started showing some interest in me, I caved."
    Misty wrapped her hands around her mug and brought it to her lips, taking a sip. "I'm so sorry, Amanda." She set her cup down and reached for her sister's hand. "I know we've never been close, but I'm always here for you. You know that, right?"
    Amanda nodded. "I'd told Scott about the baby the day before you called from the hospital. He was furious. He yelled at me, called me a whore. When you called I looked at it as an opportunity to put some space between me and him. As I was leaving he told me not to bother coming back. Ever." She hastily wiped at her tears.
    Standing, Misty went to the opposite side of the table where her sister sat and hugged her. It was an act of kindness, a gesture that neither woman had ever given to the other. "You can stay here as long as you want, Mandy."
    "Really?"
    "Of course." Misty smiled and returned to her seat. She opened the tin, grabbed a Biscotti, and then slid the tin down the table to Amanda. "Here. Eat something bad for you. It'll make you feel better."
    Amanda laughed and took two Biscotti from the tin. "Thanks, sis."
    Sis—that was a term neither of them had ever used toward each other before, at least not in an affectionate sort of way. "So, who is the father then?"
    "I'd rather not say. I haven't had a chance to tell him about the baby yet. Hell, I don't even know if I should." Amanda chewed on her Biscotti. "I have a feeling he'll react worse than Scott did."
    Misty yawned. It was almost four in the morning and exhaustion was setting in. "Well, whatever you decide, I'm here for you and I'll do whatever I can to help." She stood and carried her up to the sink. "Night, Mandy."
    "Night," Amanda said, still sitting at the table sipping her tea.
    ***
    Misty kicked the covers off her and rolled over with an agitated sigh. Despite heavy eyelids and the inability to form a coherent thought she hadn't been able to fall asleep. Every time she'd close her eyes, Aaron's face would appear. His strong, masculine jaw; his dazzling baby blues; soft, kissable lips and solid arms that had felt amazing wrapped around her. And the things he'd said to her. It's like they came straight from a romance novel. "God damn, Misty, I need you so bad." "I have never wanted any woman as much as I want you." "I knew from the moment I saw you that I had to have you." "Mine! You're mine!"
    She felt a sweat bead on her forehead and her heart rate steadily increase. He'd claimed her—ferociously--while they'd been making love. Her whole body screamed at her to just accept it, but her mind was putting on the brakes. Richard had claimed her, too, when they'd first started dating, and look how that had turned out for her. Richard was the reason Misty had trouble trusting people. Richard was the reason Misty had sworn off men, and Richard was the reason she'd promised herself never to let another man claim her. Yet when Aaron had claimed her she screamed her consent. What the hell was wrong with her?
    She wasn't ready to get involved with anyone