It had been six months since Elena lost her husband in a car accident.She was 28, beautiful, with soft curves, long dark hair, and a quiet sadness that never quite left her eyes.Her late husband’s best friend, Marcus, had been there for her through everything — helping with the funeral, checking in on her, making sure she wasn’t alone.Marcus was 35, tall and ruggedly handsome, with a strong jaw, tattoos on his arms, and the kind of steady, protective presence that made her feel safe.Tonight, Marcus had come over to help her sort through some of her husband’s things in the attic.They were alone in the quiet house, boxes scattered around them.Elena was wearing a simple black tank top and shorts, her hair tied back.Marcus was in a tight t-shirt that showed off his muscular arms.As they worked, the tension that had been building for months finally broke.Elena reached for a box at the same time as Marcus. Their hands brushed.She looked up at him, eyes glistening.“I miss him,” sh
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