Alex sat on the bed, scooting back against the headboard. He opened his book and began reading. It looked like a comfortable position, so Carmen did the same.
They read for about an hour before Carmen decided to turn in. She turned off her light and slid under the covers. Tomorrow they would fly back to Arkansas and for once she wasn't ready to go.
Alex turned off his light and lay down in bed. Carmen lay awake, staring at the ceiling. His presence beside her was disturbing. Did all people feel this way when they got a divorce? But then, she wasn't the one who wanted a divorce. It was hard to believe that only a month ago their relationship sizzled. Would she always feel that way about him? Even now, after everything that had happened, she still desired him. Was there something wrong with her? Would she ever fall out of love with him? Should she fight for him - and how? There had always been a physical attraction between them and unless she had misinterpreted his expression, there still was. But their marriage had always been so much more - or did she only think so?
"Carmen?"
His deep voice had the usual effect on her pulse.
"What?"
He rolled over and switched on his light. Turning back to her, he propped up on an elbow and gazed down at her.
"Do you think Alondra will make a good mother?"
Carmen shrugged. "I suppose she has the potential to be a good mother." She frowned. "Even a good father, I guess."
His expression became distant for a moment and finally he nodded, his attention returning to her.
"I suppose you're right. Sometimes a woman has to be both mother and father."
Carmen gazed up at his smooth features. He had always been responsible toward the children. They would share their responsibilities after … she didn't want to think about that right now.
His sober regard moved over her face, settling on her lips. He started to lean down and then hesitated, his gaze searching her eyes. Apparently he saw the longing there, because he slowly leaned down and kissed her lips.
It was a long lingering kiss that brought her to full passion. She lay still, afraid to move. Only her lips responded. It would have been impossible not to. He was the one person on earth who could send her heart into a frenzy with one kiss. When he lifted his head and looked into her eyes, it was all she could do to keep from declaring her love for him.