A Tender Illusion

"Are you mad at me?" she asked.

Vaughn lowered his gaze, and when his eyes met her soft, misty eyes, he stilled for a moment.

He didn't answer, just kept looking at her.

"Vaughn, are you mad at me?" Sloane asked again.

She didn't get an answer, so she wouldn't let it go.

"Don't be mad, okay?" she added.

For a moment, Vaughn felt his heart skip a beat.

His voice unconsciously softened as he reached