Chapter 33
Chapter 33:
“Thank you,” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.
Winona’s eyes shone with kindness as she smiled back. “When you need me, I’ll be here,” she said.
“How about that movie and another glass of wine? I feel like we both earned it tonight.” I let out a genuine laugh, finally starting to relax.
“Sounds perfect,” Winona said, and her laughter lightened the air between us.
No one had ever defended me the way Winona just did. Most of the time, I fight my own battles—people know better than to push me, and I don’t tolerate anyone’s bullshit. Still, that doesn’t make me immune to being hurt, especially when someone knows exactly where to strike. No one ever knew how to cut me down like that woman—the one who would soon be my ex. In those last months together, she seemed to take every opportunity to remind me how easily she could get under my skin.
Honestly, I couldn’t wait for the divorce to be final. Only then would I cut her out of my life for good. Maybe that was exactly what I needed if I ever wanted a real chance to start over.
Davidson’s Point of View:
A dull ache in my neck pulled me from sleep. When I tried to move, I realized I wasn’t alone on the couch—someone was pressed against me, turned away. It took a few seconds to register that Winona had curled up beside me.
I had no idea how we’d ended up like this. I didn’t even remember either of us falling asleep, which was strange, considering we’d only had two glasses of wine.
𝘓a𝗍𝗲𝗌𝘵 𝖼𝘩ар𝗍e𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝘯
Then again, the fight with Leona had probably left us both exhausted. My mind drifted to one specific moment: Winona on top of me. Kissing her on the couch had been thrilling—electric—and I couldn’t pretend I hadn’t enjoyed every second. Too bad it had all been an act.
Looking down, I noticed my arm was wrapped around her, natural and easy. Somehow, her body fit perfectly against mine. Having someone this close felt unfamiliar, but I couldn’t deny I liked it. Lately, I’d had my flings, but none of them had stayed the night—not in my bed, not under my roof.
I wasn’t ready for this. Leona had been the only woman allowed to share my bed, and letting someone else in felt wrong. It was too soon.
Part of me knew I should wake her and let her go, even in the middle of the night if she wanted. Still, I didn’t move. It had been so long since I’d felt this kind of calm with someone beside me. Letting her sleep felt easier than facing what came after.
Moving as quietly as I could, I grabbed the blanket draped over the back of the couch and pulled it over us both. Then I settled again, my arm finding its place around her. For the first time in a long while, I felt genuinely at peace.