Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

Chapter 51

She stared down at the invitation card in her hand, feeling her art do odd somersaults as her gaze fell upon those words. over and over again. It was as if the card per se was beckoning, entreating her to give in to this offer presented by Jaden, to take a chance for just that one night. She took a deep breath, lighting against the surge of emotions that seemed to be flooding her heart. With a heavy sigh, she handed the card back Jaden, feeling the weight of her decision settle like a stone

"I am so sorry, Jaden. But, I wasn't made for that world." Managing a weak smile, her voice shook. Td really want to go, but my life, is not that simple

His face softened as he took the card back from her, his disappointment evident. He looked at her, as though he wanted to convince her, as though his presence could somehow cut through the walls she'd built over these years. "I just... I want to go with you, Emma," he said softly. The twins could stay over with my sister on that night. You are still a beautiful woman, Emma, and you deserve the best in the world. But I will give you time to think about it." He stood up and left that night, leaving her with her thought.

That night, Emma lay awake with Jaden's words ringing in her head. Attending such an event with him, beside him, even if only as his friend, sent shivers of excitement down her spine. Once, she would have jumped at such an opportunity but now her past, her painful memories held her back. She remembered the one and only time she'd attended the Aurora Honors as Alexander's wife. It was a few months into their marriage, and Vivian had nearly humiliated her in front of everyone. Only her quick thinking had saved her from complete embarrassment. And through it all, Alexander had stood around impassively, looking on as though she did not exist.

And now, with Annie and Vivian in attendance, to think of going through such scenarios was unbearable. She sighed, knowing that her answer could only be NO..

The next morning, Emma dropped Ethan off at daycare, then left Emily with her doctors. As she walked down the corridor toward Brianna's VIP room, a firm hand grabbed her from behind, pulling her into a secluded corner. Everything happened in a fraction of a second, not even giving her time to react. Emma tumbled forward, slamming against a hard, familiar chest, the scent of a well known cologne filling her nostrils. Her heart stuttered around in her throat as a warmth enveloped her, a warmth she hadn't felt in ages. For a few seconds, she allowed herself to lean in against him, savor the feeling.

But before she could continue this line of thought, a cold voice cut through her reverie, jerking her back to reality. "I need you to get a message to your boss," the voice demanded

Emma blinked disoriented and slowly looked up. Her gaze wandered over his well known features, from perfectly shaped lips to piercing blue eyes. Her mind wandered as memories flooded her of the only two times they'd ever been close; first, the night he'd taken her virginity before her high school graduation, and the second, that night years later, when he'd crawl into her room in the dead of night, his lovemaking assuring that all will soon be well. Then, of course, her mind rivaled the bitter memory of their divorce, the underhanded betrayal that had shattered her heart.

into us eyes. How dare he touch her so easily after everything that he had done to her? She yanked her arm free, straightening herself up. "Excuse me?" she muttered breathlessly. She had missed his words

you to get a message to your boss," he said, coolly,

arms. "That isn't part of our agreement," she shot

called, stopping her. Something in his tone froze her She turned back, reluctantly. "I wouldn't ask if it weren't necessary. She hasn't responded to my recent messages, and it's

chutched at his words. She remembered his unread email from the night before, the one shohad discarded without a second though working late into the night. Now curious, she found herself wracking her brain over what it is he could possibly want

Tue,

Chapter 31

the authority to

yourself some credit, Emma Black," he said, closing the distance between them. "Your boss put her personal hatred for my company or perhaps for me in order to save your daughter'ile and she even trusted

but still, she isn't such an easy woman

a bit of the vulnerability she barely saw in him. "Why

was over with, the better. All

with a forethought. "I want her to attend this year's Aurora Honors. It would mean much to

her face unreadable. "T'll

Alexander nodded. "Okay."

more, but again