Itch

Eric struggled to stay calm with his wife's speech. The itch just between his shoulder blades warned him that she was hiding more than she pretended to be. He knew this moment could open up a new direction and that it wouldn't be cheap if he took just one step away from the rationality of his scheme.

He pushed the nagging thought away and looked at her. Over the past few days, he realized that she was becoming more and more beautiful to him. From the shimmer in her eyes, from her smile to her warm soul. Their conversation opened doors he thought were locked, but the result was a strange flurry of emotions that made him feel uncomfortable—and never will be. She is a woman who needs a solid relationship. Damn it, she's the woman who deserves it too. But he can only give her sex and friendship. Not love.

He decided that many years ago. The price to pay is too great.

So Eric stood watching the thin line between them splinter again with so many mixed emotions and so many damn regrets.

He f