My gaze flew to hers.
“Mail it to me,” she murmured.
I set aside the box. I had her in my arms again, lifting her, kissing her as I carried her down the hall, already feeling the pain of leaving her.
The morning was going too fast.
And there was nothing I could do to stop it.
She was so right in my arms. We fit together perfectly, and I wanted to lose myself in her forever. My mouth and hands memorized her taste, the feel of her silky skin. Her breathy, longing whisper of my name would forever be etched into my memory.
Being buried inside her heat was ecstasy. My mouth never left hers as I rocked, taking my time and loving her thoroughly. Her name fell like a prayer as I whispered it against her softness, my orgasm washing over me like a warm tidal wave, cresting and leaving me boneless.
I gathered her against me, holding her tight, fighting back unexpected tears. This was the last time I would make love to her.
My Angel.
How could I walk away from her?
It was time. I sat on the edge of the bed and tied my sneakers, my stomach knotted and my throat aching with suppressed emotion.
Holly was already in the living room, waiting for me. I knew she had put my gifts in the trunk of the car while I showered.
Our separation had already begun.
With a sigh, I pulled on my coat. I didn't want to leave, but I knew the longer I stayed and drew out our goodbye, the harder it would be for both of us.
I hadn't planned on this.
My trip to see my family had taken an unexpected detour, and now I wasn't sure I wanted to get back on the road I had started on only a few days earlier. It didn't feel right.
But Holly was correct. I had to go see my family, finish what I started. Once that was done, regardless of the results, I had a life waiting for me. She was still looking for hers. We had two separate paths.
It was time to leave.
I walked soundlessly into the living room. Holly was standing at the window, her back to me, her posture rigid.
"The weather forecast is good. No snow," she said, her voice sounding thick.
I stood behind her, my own throat aching. "Holly—"
"Don't. Thank you…for everything. You made this lonely time of year so unexpectedly wonderful for me."
I turned her around, slipping my fingers under her chin. "You did the same for me, Angel."
Our eyes locked. Her warmth and caring shone through the dampness I saw there. I pulled her into my arms, wanting her closeness. We stood silent and wrapped around each other. I didn't want to move.
I didn't want to leave.
"You have to go," she murmured.
I tightened my arms.
"Go see your family. Show them how wonderful you are."
I shook my head. "I doubt that is going to happen at this point. I'm hoping for a civil visit at best."
Her eyes were intense as she tilted up her head and met my gaze. "Try, Evan. You’re so special. Show your family the person you are. Let them see how special. If they can't, it's their loss. But at least you tried. Then you can go back to your life and move on. But try."