A Difficult Woman

“You don’t let people comfort you?”

She shook her head.

To her surprise he smiled. “Hold still, Tara.”

“What?”

“Hold still.” He moved a step closer and once again he tipped her chin up. But this time he slowly and, oh so gently, kissed her and Tara felt her knees go weak.

“Hey, T.” Nicky burst into the house and Tara took a stumbling step backward just before her brother strode into the room.

“Looks like you’re making some headway,” Nicky said to his sister, oblivious to the stunned expression on her face. “Hey, Matt.” He went on into the kitchen, talking the entire way. He reappeared with a pitcher of orange juice and a glass. He filled the glass, drank it, filled it again.