The bedroom was quiet. He gazed at her, his long-hidden affection veiled beneath a facade of nonchalance.
"Hm?" When she didn't respond for a long time, Derek's eyelashes trembled slightly. His fingers tightened imperceptibly around her wrist, carrying a trace of anticipation and tension even he hadn't noticed. His voice was low and husky. "Bonnie?"
Bonnie looked into his eyes, her heart involuntarily tightening. She averted her gaze and said slowly, "No."
It was the answer he had expected. Derek's fingers loosened slightly, but his disappointment lasted only a second before he returned to his usual lazy demeanor. He smiled at her gently. "Then I'll wait."
Bonnie's throat tightened. A moment later, she lowered her gaze and gently pulled her hand away, then turned and walked out of the bedroom.
...
By the weekend, Bonnie's leg had mostly healed, so she invited Cathy Jones out.
Cathy seemed in good spirits, as if the shadow cast by that couple was gradually fading.
