a statement of
fact； devoid of arrogance。 〃But that's not enough。〃
She followed his thoughts。 〃I can't help you； Ross。〃
〃Can't？ 〃
〃Won't。 If you're looking for a wife and a family； a home in the
country； maybe a few dogs and horses； even sheep； you'll have to look
elsewhere。 I can't be anything but this。〃
His gaze sharpened。 〃Did I mention those things？ Or are they what you
wanted once？ Haven't you ever wished for a husband who loves you；
children； pets； friends； property？ What do you want from life？〃
〃What I have right now。 I don't want to look back； and I won't look
ahead。 I like this life。 I'm content。〃
〃Are you？〃 he challenged。 〃Don't you ever stop to wonder what it might
have been like…〃
〃No；〃 Chloe said with force and pushed herself out of the chair。 〃I
didn't ask you to e here； Ross。 I didn't ask you to stay。 As of right
now〃…she pointed at the floor for emphasis…〃I don't care what you do；
but don't expect to change the way I see the world and my life。 I've
done just fine on my own for the past eleven years。 I plan to do it a
while longer。〃 Her hand was shaking。 She jammed it into the back pocket
of her jeans。 〃I'm going to bed。 Let yourself out。〃 With a whirl that
sent her hair flaring out behind； she strode from the room； ran up the
stairs to her room； and firmly closed the door。
Trembling uncontrollably； she collapsed onto the bed and stared at the
ceiling。 Her ragged breathing was the only sound that broke the night's
quiet…that； and the opening and closing of the front door when Ross left
the house。
For what seemed like hours she agonized； locked in silent battle with a