Don't Let Go Read Online Free

hold her head high. After all, didn’t they say, whoever they were, that living well was the best revenge?
    If it were up to her, the saying would be amended. Living well and punching your enemy in the nose is the best revenge. Or kicking him in the groin.
    No, no. That wouldn’t do. After all, she was a teacher, a role model. Students, parents, even the Board of Education were watching her.
    She needed to count her blessings. She had family and loyal friends like Thom and Delayna, her home, her profession.
    And who could tell? She might get lucky tonight. A former classmate might show up, someone still single or fresh off a divorce looking for a brief hook up. It could happen.
    Yeah, right. She was a jumble of nerves. The thought of hooking up with anyone had all the appeal of jumping from an airplane without a parachute.
    She took a deep steadying breath. Hang on. You only have to get through tonight.
    The doorbell rang.
    She hurried down the hall. Maybe it was one of the neighbors’ children selling cookies or chocolates. Then she could eat a box or three and delay the inevitable a bit longer.
    When she opened the door, her mouth fell open. Eric stood on her doorstep, looking like he’d stepped out of a glossy advertisement for high-end men’s cologne. He wore a dark gray suit, which fit him beautifully. A small white rosebud decorated his lapel. His sparkling white shirt was set off by a light blue tie. There was a small box in his right hand.
    His eyes widened at her appearance. “Wow.” He paused a moment as his gaze swept over her. “Can I come in?”
    “Uh…of course.” She was too surprised to be more welcoming. As she stepped back, she wobbled in her high heels. Eric caught her round the waist before she toppled. The heat of his hand left an impression on her skin through the fabric of her dress.
    “Oops. You okay?” he asked.
    She grabbed his arms to steady herself. “Fine. Thanks.” He was so solid and warm, she didn’t want to let go.
    He glanced around as if surprised by the quiet. “Where’s Sasquatch?”
    “Bobo? I closed him in the spare room while I was changing. He likes to steal clothing and make me chase him.” She moistened her dry lips with her tongue.
    Gently, he released her and lifted the lid of the box in his hand to reveal a perfect white rose.
    “Do you remember this?” His voice was low and intimate.
    The hairs on her neck prickled. “Of course.” She looked at him. “Your senior prom. I was wearing a white rose.”
    “That’s right. And you brought me a matching boutonniere.” He nodded at the rosebud in his buttonhole. “You had on a blue dress.”
    Her breath caught. “Yes,” she said, suddenly recalling. “The gown was blue.” He remembered that? After all these years?
    “Hell, I’ll never forget it,” he growled. “You were hot . But not as hot as you are tonight.” His gaze licked over her as it traveled up and down her body. “You look incredible.” The appreciation in his face and voice sent a warm glow through her. When was the last time anyone thought her hot?
    He set the box on the hall table and removed the corsage. “Will you wear this and allow me the honor of being your date tonight?”
    “Oh, Eric.” A weight lifted from her spirit. With him beside her, she wouldn’t have to face everyone alone. Dee and Thom were great friends with good hearts, but with them, she was always the third wheel.
    Of course, there would still be gossip tonight. Only now, the gossips would be envious, wondering what Annalee Mondello, formerly Donovan, was doing with such a sexy man. Speculating what the two of them might be doing after the party.
    An image flashed. She and Eric together. Naked, in bed. Her bed.
    Her breath caught. Could she do that, let herself go there? Why not? He was free, and so was she. Dee had all but given the go-ahead. She’d been alone for so long. Lonely, even in her marriage. Wasn’t it time to grab a little happiness, a bit of