Just as Anathea turned to leave the room, she heard a faint rustling behind her.
"The couch is too hard. You won't sleep comfortably," Gregory said.
"It's just one night. I'll be fine—"
Before she could finish, a pair of strong arms suddenly wrapped around her waist from behind.
Her entire body tensed. The rest of her words caught in her throat.
She could clearly feel his breath against her ear.
Gregory rested his chin on her shoulder. The crisp scent of cedar mixed with the sharp tang of alcohol washed over her like a wave of heat.
She froze for a moment, then instinctively tried to pull away. Yet, he only held her tighter.
"Annie, just let me hold you for a little while. I've missed you so much that it's driving me crazy," he murmured.
A flicker of emotion passed through her eyes.
Gregory's voice grew husky as he continued, "I've lived nearly 30 years without ever regretting a single decision. I always believed that every choice I made was the right one, but…"
Anathea coul
