Aftermath (Dividing Line #6) by Heather Atkinson Page A

after, you know, when she got all tense and freaked out. She put on her clothes and ran out of there.”
    “That’s women for you. They’re hard to understand.”
    “You’ve no problem understanding Rachel. You don’t even need to talk to know what the other’s thinking.”
    “That’s because we’ve been to hell and back together several times, but for some time before we got together I’d no idea what was going through her head.”
    “I think she felt guilty because of Nick.”
    “It was too soon.”
    “For her, not for me. I really like her Ryan.”
    “I don’t know what to say, this is Rachel’s area, not mine. Maybe she can talk some sense into her?”
    Both men looked across the room towards the two women who were deep in conversation.
     
    “I don’t know what happened,” sighed Beth. A mischievous smile lit up her face. “It was amazing, the sex was so good. I was really happy. He made me stop thinking about Nick and Alex.”
    “You think about Alex a lot?”
    “Yeah. I was crazy about him once and I miss him, the old Alex I mean, not the psychotic one, but it was Nick I felt really bad about. He died for me and already I’m shagging someone else. It’s not right.”
    “He wouldn’t want you to be alone. All Nick wanted was for you to be happy and Riley’s such a good man.”
    “I like him a lot but it’s too soon. I just can’t, not yet.”
    “Give it a bit of time. I’m sure he’ll wait for you, he’s really keen on you.”
    “It’s not just that. His body’s covered in scars from his time in the army. After what I’ve been through I couldn’t stand to be in a relationship with another man in a dangerous job. It would drive me mad.”
    “I can understand that. Are you saying you could never be with him because he’s in the army?”
    She nodded. “I can’t go through that again. I’ve the kids to think about too. What if they got attached to him and they lost another father figure? It’s not fair on them.”
    “You’re getting ahead of yourself, you’ve only had sex once.”
    “But I have to consider these things. I can’t do it Rach, no matter how much I want to.”
    “I’m really sorry for that,” she said, taking her hand, “because I think you’d be great together.”
    “After what we just did upstairs I’ve no doubt, but I couldn’t take pain like that again. Surely you understand that?”
    “Yes I do. It’s why I made Ryan give up his old life.”
    “I shouldn’t have slept with him, I’m going to hurt him now, but I had to do it to find out how I really felt.”
    “He’ll understand, especially after what he went through with Zoe. Want me to explain?”
    “No, that would be too cold. I’ll do it myself. Thanks for listening Rach.”
    “Anytime mate. You know I’m always here for you.”
    “I do and by Christ I appreciate it,” Beth replied, squeezing her hand.
    Reluctantly Beth walked over to Riley, who was still talking with his brother.
    “I’ll leave you to it,” said Ryan, tactfully withdrawing when Riley and Beth stared at each other in silence.
    Pleased, Riley put his arm around Beth’s shoulders and pulled her close.
    “Wait,” she said.
    He removed his arm, looking hurt.
    “I’m sorry Riley, that shouldn’t have happened between us.”
    “You were the one that instigated it. Just a bit of fun, was I?” he said, irritated by how pained he sounded.
    “It wasn’t like that. I like you, I really do but I’m not ready to move on. I thought I was but it took what happened upstairs to show me I’m not.”
    “Glad I could be of some use,” he said bitterly.
    “Please don’t be like that. What happened was incredible but I’ve lost two people I loved. You of all people know how hard that is.”
    He sighed and nodded.
    “It’s too soon, please understand.”
    He took her hands in his own. “Of course I do. I’ll wait for you. You’re the only woman whose meant anything to me since Zoe.”
    Beth realised how much it