Ever, Sarah by C.E. Hansen Page B

hurt.
    “I hope so mother.” I said that looking directly at her, hoping my simple words would take the sadness out of her eyes.
    Brad leaned in and kissed my cheek. Rather perfunctorily. But the warmth of his lips, as they grazed my skin, made me shiver nonetheless. Anticipation ran through my veins, spreading rapidly throughout my body, landing in a place that…well. That’s for another time and place.
     
     

     
     
    We had a bowl of potato leek soup, a light salad, and loin of pork roasted with fresh rosemary sprigs, baby Yukon gold potatoes, carrots, parsnips and beets. It was absolutely delicious and filling.
    The bottle of Burgundy that Brad opened was perfect. Light, floral, delicious, and went perfectly with the heavy pork meal.
    By the time the dessert was brought out, I was giddy from the wine. Ripe berries with zabaglione cream, served with chilled Inniskillin Ice Wine. I daresay I was grateful for Brad’s shoulder as we said our goodbyes and walked out into the chilly air before getting into his car.
    After walking me to my door, he climbed into the driver’s side and started the engine. It was the most beautiful shining black luxury car I’d ever seen.
    “Sorry, I probably should have started the engine a little earlier so that it would be warm.” He said apologetically.
    “No, really, I’m fine. After a meal like that I could use a little chill to wake me up.”
    “I hear that. I should have said yes to that espresso.”
    ”What kind of car is this?”
    “A Maybach Exelero. Do you like it?”
    “What’s not to like?” I answered as I turned my head taking in every detail.
    He chuckled as he slowly pulled out of the driveway and turned left, driving towards the highway.
    I leaned back in the chair and closed my eyes as I tried to remember each and every detail of my day.
    After dinner when it got dark, we did go back upstairs and I laid down on ‘my’ bed looking at the ceiling.
    The light was turned off and the ceiling came to life with what seemed like thousands upon thousands of tiny stars. It truly was beautiful and somewhere deep inside me, I knew I loved looking at the stars. I remembered tearing up when I saw the picture of my parents and me on the table in the family room. I don’t know what caused that reaction, but I had a feeling, a nagging feeling, that I loved that man very, very much. There was an emptiness inside me that was exasperated by the fact that I couldn’t remember someone who was obviously very important to me.
    Brad’s hand rose to my face and brushed away the tear that was rolling, unbeknownst to me, down my cheek.
    “Penny for your thoughts.” He said.
    “You wouldn’t get much for your money.” I laughed bitterly. “I don’t know much, and my thoughts are so scattered in the wind, that I’d be happy if I could just put one thought into perspective and go from there.”
    I turned and looked at him. His profile was as perfect as he was. Strong jaw, high cheekbones; rugged good looks wrapped up in a perfect package. His hand reached over and took mine, squeezing it gently, and I felt a shiver run the length of my body, welcoming the heat it generated.
    “You take your time. Don’t rush it. It will come back.” He sounded so convincing I almost believed him.
    “I just want it to happen already. I just want to get my life back.”
    “Patience, Sarah.” He squeezed my hand again and my pulse went into overdrive. I felt a strange feeling build quickly inside me. My heart raced and a strange tingling sensation rushed to the surface of my skin. I felt myself wanting more and I immediately blushed at how shameless my thoughts were.
    After all, what does that make me, wanting to make love to a man I don’t remember. What he must think of me. I shook my head.
    “What?”
    He was perceptive; I’ll give him that.
    “I was wondering what you must think of me…I mean after the other day?” I felt my face redden even more.
    “Are you referring to