The question floated in the air like mist, soft and untouchable. Mara looked at him, unsure. Her heart beat a little faster. She wanted to say yes. She wanted to lean in and stop thinking, just feel, just be.
But living in the moment had cost her before.
It had gotten her married to Ethan. It had given her two children and taken one away.
She hesitated.
"Rafael..." she said slowly, wondering if this was another one of his jokes, something he'd laugh about in five seconds.
But he didn't.
He stayed perfectly still. No pressure. No movement. Just his eyes on hers and his hands firmly planted at his sides, no boundary crossed.
He wanted the kiss, clearly, but only if she wanted it, too. Her chest rose and fell with quiet turmoil.
She wasn't ready. Not fully. Not when guilt still wrapped around her like a second skin. It wasn't just about Ethan. It was about everything. About loss. About who she used to be.
Rafael seemed to understand.
