was when I became part of the deaf community. I learned, I thrived, and even though my parents had a hard time with it at first, they knew they’d made the right decision. They had no choice but to accept it was my new ‘normal’ life.”
“Ellie—”
I placed my hand on his arm. “Let me finish. I’ve faced many difficulties by being deaf. I must rely on people to talk slow so I can read their lips, I have to rely on touch to get my attention, and I can’t go to a movie unless there’s captions. Guys would approach me and try to talk to me. If I could read their lips, I would listen. If I couldn’t for some reason, I would tell them I was deaf by using sign language and they would just walk away out of fear. People often stare a lot, which I’m used to. Then there’s the issue with the dark. Like when we’d go to bed together. We can’t just lay there and talk, because I can’t see what you’re saying.”
“That’s why we use a nightlight or leave the hall light on,” he signed. “That’s your reality, Ellie, and I know that.”
“I know you do, and I’m grateful for that. It took me a long time to accept who I had become as a deaf person, and if you were to ask me if I wished I could fully hear again, the answer would be no. Because I know who I am. When I found out about Kirsten, my first thought was you were bored with her and just playing around and that’s why you didn’t tell me. I figured you had no plans on sticking around and you’d eventually leave when you got bored with me.”
“How could you think that after everything we’ve done and have been through together?”
“Because I was hurt that I didn’t hear it from you, out of your mouth. And I wasn’t going to allow myself to be hurt again. I was protecting me, like I’ve always done since I lost my hearing. Then you kidnapped me, and once I stepped out of my anger box and stopped feeling sorry for myself, I could see things a lot clearer. I could see you clearer. Life is hard sometimes and the best way I cope with that is by walking away.”
He held out his arm and turned his palm up signaling for me to place my hand in his.
“You don’t have to. It’s okay,” he signed with his other hand.
Giving him a small smile, I placed my hand in his and he gave it a gentle squeeze.
“I’m sorry, Ellie.”
“I know you are.”
“You are a beautiful woman, both inside and out. I will never lie or hurt you again. I need you to believe in me.”
“I do.” I smiled.
I let go of his hand and picked up my wine glass. He listened carefully to every word I said, and his eyes never left mine. I hadn’t planned on spilling my soul to him, but it all came out naturally. When we dated, we knew each other, but we didn’t. He didn’t talk about his parents, and I didn’t talk about my struggles. I told him a few things here and there, but nothing like I told him tonight. In fact, I’d never told anyone. I didn’t expect to be at peace with him so quickly and all I really wanted to do was make him suffer for hurting me. But he wouldn’t be the only one suffering. He deserved a second chance. He’d earned it, and I knew there would be no turning back from the inescapable feelings I felt for him.
“I think I’m going to go for a swim in that lovely pool. You can join me if you’d like.”
“I’d love to. Let’s go change into our bathing suits,” he signed.
I stood up and slipped the straps to my dress off my shoulders, letting the dress fall to the ground.
“I don’t think swimsuits are needed.” I gave him a wink as I stepped into the pool.
Chapter 31
Henry
I sat there and watched as her naked body walked down the steps and into the pool. Instantly, my cock grew at the speed of light. Was she suggesting—she had to be or else she wouldn’t have done it.
“Are you coming in or are you just going to sit there and watch me?” The corners of her mouth curved up into a sinfully sexy smile.
Jumping up from the lounge chair, I quickly stripped