Read Whisper Through The Pain (A Novella) for Free Online

my friend, who hurt me—deeply.”
    “I know. I didn’t realize how much until this moment. I didn’t treat you right. Call it being young, careless of your feelings and thinking the world was mine to do what I wanted.”
    “Women were always at your disposal.” She drank more of the water, loving the coldness as it glided down her throat.
    Brent didn’t say anything for the briefest moment and then he nodded. “You’re right. Women were never a problem. I never lied to you about that.”
    “I thought it would be different when we got married.”
    “Being cocky, I didn’t think it mattered.”
    “It mattered.” She swallowed and said again,” It mattered a great deal to me.”
    “I know.” The words were spoken with regret.
    Nothing more was spoken while they ate.
    “You didn’t touch the potatoes.” He pointed to the smooth mound on her plate.
    She dipped her fork in the creamy mixture filled with chunks of lobster. She chewed and savored the flavors. He was right, they were heavenly.
    “They’re very rich and fattening.” Melissa tried to stifle a moan of pleasure.
    “I’m glad you like them. I tried to give the chef the precise instructions. I hope I got them right. Besides, you could stand to gain a few pounds.”
    “Shh…Don’t ever say that in front of my mother,” she joked. “She always watched her weight, and mine too.”
    He laughed, leaned back in his chair and watched her. It made her very uneasy. So she glanced around the room. The lights were dimmed. Soft music played through the ceiling speakers. It was too romantic and it made her nervous. She was quite aware of him…the good times they’d shared…this wasn’t good. Not at all.
    “The meal was delicious. Thank you, but I’m full.”
    She pushed away from the table, stood and walked to the fireplace. It was rude to do so, but she needed to create distance between them. She couldn’t pretend any longer they were friends having a casual dinner.
    He came and stood in front of her. His eyes locked on her, traveling to her lips. He leaned forward and planted a soft kiss on her mouth. A hint of butter and lemon lingered. She fought not to lick her lips and savor the taste.
    “Why did you do that?”
    Warmth and a tingling sensation cruised through her body.
    He shrugged. “I’m sorry. I didn’t intend for it to make you uncomfortable.”
    “It didn’t.” She lied.
    He smiled. “Good.”
    Why did he kiss her? Did she really want to know?  She had no answer.
    “You went through a lot of trouble getting the chef to prepare this meal. Chinese or Pizza would have been fine.”
    “Aww. Your favorite unhealthy foods.”
    “You remembered.”
    “I did. But I felt you deserved better tonight.”
    It was unsettling, after all this time apart, he could still gage her mood. So could Jake, she thought. He was a master at it. She wouldn’t think about him tonight. It was odd being here with Brent but she was determined to focus on what was happening presently.
    Silence fell between them.
    “Talk to me, Melissa. We used to share so much.”
    “That was a long time ago.”
    “Time is not a factor. We have tonight.” His grin was boyish and charming.
    Her heart flipped in her chest. She shouldn’t be here. Then he wrapped his arms around her, leaned in for another kiss, and she let him. It was pleasant and comforting.
    “I’ve known you all my life. That must count for something,” he said.
    Melissa moved from his warm embrace, creating much needed space, and folded her arms. “What do you want from me, Brent?”
    He laughed. “How about a glass of wine? We never touched it.” He lifted the bottle out of the ice bucket and poured the Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc into the empty glasses on the table. He handed one to her. She sipped, enjoying the bold and rich flavor against her tongue.
    “How did you find this wine? It’s nearly impossible to get.”
    “I know. It comes from the Argentine and Chilean highlands. Fortunately