Gayth emerged from behind a stand of shrubs and came in my direction. I’d passed into the shade of a tree, so he didn’t see me right away.
When he did, he smiled that charming smile of his. “God’s blessing be with you, lady.”
That smile brought to mind something else Richard had said to me: Perhaps you married too young to learn how devious men can be. Our friend Gayth isn’t finished with you.
I touched my thumb to my wedding ring. Oh yes, I was missing Neil. “And with you, Gayth. How was the hurling?”
“Exciting to watch. The boys played well. They’ll be men soon enough.” A few long strides brought him closer to me.
My gut warned me to retreat a step or two, but I held my ground. No way did I want to appear apprehensive. “I really must go.”
“A moment, lady. ’Tis all I ask. So I might tell you how seeing you again has brought the sun back to my heart.”
I raised my chin and peered at him. “I doubt it’s been dark all this time.”
“Ah, but it has, though I was unaware of it until your reappearance banished the darkness.” He touched my shoulder.
I smacked his hand away. “No, Gayth. This is wrong.”
“You don’t believe that. Your eyes tell me you haven’t forgotten the love we once shared. I loved you then. I know now that I still do.”
“You and I might share fond memories, Gayth, but the past is gone.” Satisfied that I’d sounded as frosty as I’d intended, I spun to make my escape.
He clutched my arm.
I whacked his hand again, harder this time. “No!”
“A wall might stand betwixt us now, but walls have doors. Can you not unlock the door between our hearts for one sweet kiss?” He closed the space between us and bent his head toward mine.
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