Angela did as asked, squelching a smile when she saw what it was.
“It’s the shirt I borrowed the night last time I was with you,” she said.
He shifted his weight. “Yeah. It is. I thought maybe it would remind you of me.”
Her eyes darted around his face, confusion clouding her thoughts as his cheeks tinted red.
“Or rather, you know. It was the shirt you wore when you needed to get over that last breakup. I thought it would give you comfort, a reminder of a good time.” The confidence he always exuded was betrayed by his eyes.
Angela’s heart nearly stopped. Bringing the shirt to her nose, she took a deep breath. It smelled like him. What did this mean? Why would he give her any false hope? If her heart weren’t so disillusioned by the idea that he might secretly love her, she may been angry he was giving her reason to hope.
“I don’t think I understand. I mean, yes. It will remind me of something much more positive, but still. You don’t have to.”
How could she say it would remind her of him when she wasn’t allowed to want Nic.
He stepped closer to her and placed his hands on her forearms. She closed her eyes as the warmth of his body comforted her.
“I don’t have to, you’re right. The problem is when it comes to you, I want to do anything and everything to see you smile.”
Her heart skipped in her chest.
“And, Ang?”
A feather light touch traced her cheek.
“When I get back, I hope you’re the first one I see.”
No words could ever express the explosion of joy, desire, and longing within her. She opened her eyes to take him in one last time to tide her over for however long it took him to return home. “As long as you promise to come home, I’ll be waiting.”
THE END
I'll Be Waiting Page 3