Lahat ng Kabanata ng Winning Her Back: Kabanata 11 - Kabanata 20

I woke to white light flooding through the light-colored curtains, and I rolled over for an instant, filling my lungs with the stillness of the house. My pillow was damp with last night's tears, but when I sat up, scrubbed at my eyes, and lay back again, a clean determination seeped into my marrow. No more dissolving into corners. Today, I'd stand strong.I dressed myself in light silk, a cream silk blouse and fitted pants, I walked silently down to the kitchen. Dewy ferns whisper softly in the morning air as I fill my favorite china with coffee and cradle it. My ribcage contracts with my vow: I deserve respect. Not shreds of his interest but genuine partnership.Marble steps warned me beforehand of Ethan's arrival, coat draped over one arm, briefcase draped over the other. He stood at the entrance of the kitchen, his shoulders braced, eyes frozen. "Morning," he spoke, his voice constricted.I brought my head up to lock eyes with him. My heart was racing but I didn't stir. "Good morni

I awoke to thin light filtering through the drapes, yet the weight of last evening's words already pressed on my chest. Ethan's words followed me: "Yesterday was a mistake." I lay wrapped in sheets, my heart pounding against my ribcage as if it sought to escape. The sting of his rejection felt hotter than the sun.I pushed the blankets away and sat up, placing my hand over my chest in a desperate attempt to soothe my pounding heart. With every breath, the bedroom seemed to ring too loudly. I closed my eyes and pictured the curve of the ceiling as I attempted to find enough strength to make it through one more day in this cold space between us.The house hung quietly empty while I crept downstairs. Barefoot, I crept across the marble floor and stood stock still in front of the foyer mirror. I pushed the collar down on my cream-colored blouse, Ironic, really, exactly the same shade as the break between us, and practiced a little, brave smile. The smile went away almost as soon as it app

I stood in Ethan's doorway watching Dr. Morales place his notepad on the bed. Linen drapes filtered late-morning sunlight that poured into the room, lighting it in gentle, subdued colors, a haven of peace in the wake of yesterday's storm.“Mr. Blackwell's vitals are normal," Dr. Morales said briefly, reassuringly. He took the stethoscope off his neck and looked at me. "He overworked himself to the point where his body broke down. The fever that put him out is an eye-opener. He's going to have to have strict bed rest for the rest of the week, no work, no stress. Okay?”I nodded, a wave of relief washing over me. "No problem. I'll make sure he gets adequate rest."Dr. Morales smiled at me warmly. "Keep him hydrated, take his temperature twice a day, and page me if there's a change. Otherwise, I'll see you tomorrow."He stowed his medical bag and continued on, leaving silence behind him. I shut the door carefully and stepped inside.Ethan lay half-submerged in the duvet, chest rising an

It was Ethan's mother."Hello?" I breathed."Lila, sweetheart," a soft familiar voice spoke. My heart turned over. "It's your mother-in-law.""Why in the world didn't either of you think to call me when Ethan became ill?" Her voice was crisp but with an undertone of anxiety.I swallowed. "He didn’t want you to worry so he told me not to say anything.""Nonsense!" she exclaimed, and I felt positive that she was putting a silk house coat on. "Do you realize how long I’ve been worrying over that boy? I would worry anyway!"I was blush-red with embarrassment and gratitude simultaneously. "I apologize. He's okay now, and under strict bed rest for a few days.""Good." She let out a breath, her tone eased by relief. "I'll be there tomorrow afternoon. I'm going to spend a few days to see with my own eyes that he is fine, no matter what Ethan has to say about it.""Of course," I managed to mutter out, my heart racing at the thought of her being here, and her observant eye. "We'll look forward

Morning sunlight waved through the lace curtains in gentle gold ribbons, and I lay tangled in the cool cotton sheets, my cheek sunk into the firm face of my pillow. There was something so comforting about its unbending support that I'd never comprehended the appeal of downy feathers. I breathed in deeply, enjoying the cool linen scent, lavender scented laundry soap mingled with the faint musk of my own sleep-warm skin.There was a low, guttural moan behind me, and my heart stalled in abrupt anticipation. I rolled, pillow still cradling my cheek, and a hand insinuated itself around my waist. I was drawn back before I was even aware, held flush against a warm, wide chest."Ethan?" My voice was a surprised whisper.His warm, rough breath brushed against the back of my neck. "Good morning," he whispered, his lips trailing down the back of my neck in soft, tickly brushes. The roughness of his voice sent a shiver of desire down my back.My heart thudded beneath his cotton shirt as he place