Chapter 61 — JERRISON

I SENSED the kiss was coming—Harriet's eyes told me long before she leaned in.

I knew.

But I didn't expect it to rock my world the way it does. My wife rests her soft palms against my face.

I taste gratefulness along with her desire. It's a mix of delicate disbelief and chaos.

Her lips are familiar. Soft as the roses she planted in the front lawn. Sweeter than a glass of wine after a long day. And yet, I explore them slowly. Gently. Because there's something else. Something buried beneath the curves I know and the mouth I've crushed a hundred times before.

My eyes sweep closed.

The mystery fades to the back of my head until Harriet sighs against my mouth.

It hits me then.

Crackles just beneath the surface of my chest. Me.

I'm the one who changed. That's why the kiss is different.

I never treasured her the way I do right now. I never gave her the respect I have right now.