Turn Back Time (The Full Circle Series Book 1) by Annette Anders (best books to read for knowledge .TXT) 📕

letter in her pile of mail. How darkness engulfed her after she read it. How she reached for the phone to call him, not caring about the six-hour time difference or whether he was asleep or not. And how she froze just before she hit the call button. A freeze which lasted for an entire year.

“I’ve regretted writing the damn letter since the day I dropped it in the mailbox. But sadly, once a word is said, it can’t be taken back.” He shook his head, his eyes full of regret, and she could see the pain in them.

But her own pain was also fresh and bitter.

He reached for her hands again, and she didn’t pull away.

“I’ve written many more letters to you since the first one. But I was too ashamed to send any of them, or to call you. I sacrificed you to my own cowardice, and I know it’s unforgivable. When I saw you at the Opera House last Sunday, I thought fate was playing tricks on me. I mean, what were the chances running into you here, of all places? But I knew I couldn’t give up until I saw you again and we talked in person. Aren’t hope and love the last to die?”

David dropped his chin onto his chest. “I’ve allowed my insecurities to control me, and knowing I’ve let you down hurts more than it would have if you’d broken up with me.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” she couldn’t believe it. They never had secrets—or so she believed.

Words he said to her three years ago came back and realization hit her.

Gently, she lifted his face and looked deep into his eyes as she said, “You did try to tell me, David, didn’t you? Before you left Philly, you asked me to let you know if I ever felt neglected.”

He nodded. “I should’ve told you the reason, too. I know I have no right to ask you for anything, and I can’t take back the letter, but I hope you’ll give me another chance and let me make it up to you. You’re everything to me.”

Stella slid out of her chair and knelt on the carpet with him.

“I’ve never stopped loving you, David. You’re all I ever wanted, and I didn’t mind waiting for you to come back to America.” She kissed his tears away as he had kissed hers earlier. “Maybe I would’ve gone to get you if you stayed away much longer. But you never gave me the chance to find out.”

“Do you believe in second chances?” he asked.

“I believe in love, and I believe in destiny,” she said. “And I’ve always believed in us. Which is why I was so stunned and didn’t know how to reply to your letter.”

He pulled her close and hugged her. “I know we belong together. Please, can we put this behind us?”

“You should’ve trusted me, David, should’ve told me about your fears. Then it never would’ve gotten to this point. A kiss and a hug won’t be enough to get us through this. But I want you...”

His mouth was on hers before she could finish the sentence. He crushed her to his chest, never breaking the kiss. She put her arms around his neck and pressed her body against his. He was her lifeline, and she couldn’t let go.

He stood up with her in his arms, and she could feel how much he wanted her. “Baby, let me show you…”

Sleeping with David probably broke every rule in every self-help book available. But she had longed to be in his arms for what had seemed to be forever, and she was willing to throw caution to the wind.

He walked them toward the bedroom, but when he pushed the door open, she broke the kiss, pressed her face against his shoulder and panted, “Stop.”

“Baby, I swear I didn’t plan this. I mean, yes, I want to make love to you, but if you think it’s too soon, we’ll wait.” He set her down on the bed.

“No, I want this as much as you do.” She looked at him and bit her lower lip. “But I can’t.”

“What am I missing?” he asked as he sat next to her sliding his fingers up and down her arm until she shivered. It was such a simple gesture, but incredibly erotic, and she had missed it so much.

“The timing’s not good.” She looked away, almost bashful.

“Are you afraid dinner will get cold?”

She giggled and shook her head. “No, but… Aunt Flo is traveling with me.”

“You don’t…” She saw the moment he understood. He grinned from ear to ear when he said, “Oh, I promise I’ll find other ways to satisfy you without going the whole way.”

She kissed him. “I know you would. But maybe it’s better to take things a little slow for now. Let’s not rush into anything.”

“Slow it is. For now.” He looked at her swollen lips and leaned closer. “I like it slooowww.”

“You’re terrible.” She gave his shoulder a little push, which was a big mistake. She needed more physical contact and wrapped her arms around his neck again and pulled him down.

A loud knock on the door startled them, followed by a muffled voice. “Room service.”

“And I thought that only happens in movies.” She sat up, grinning and trying to straighten her hair.

Laughing, David got up, pulled his shirt out to cover the front of his pants and went to answer the door.

Stella took a moment to collect her thoughts. Could being with David again really be this easy?

CHAPTER 31

David—July 2018

T

he waiter wheeled in a small table with a white tablecloth and set with their covered meals, water, wine bottles, and an array of glasses. David signed the bill and tipped the waiter.

Having Stella in his arms again, knowing she still loved him, was more than he had dared to hope. He couldn’t believe she was willing to grant him a second chance, and he’d be the biggest idiot in history if he