Page 38 of That One Heartbreak

Because she’d made the decision to move on. That’s what she and Shana had been doing for the last hour, after all.

When they got into the kitchen, Shana was already there, topping up their wine glasses. She looked from Kate to Marley.

“Hi.” Shana’s voice betrayed no surprise at seeing him. “Want a glass?” she asked, holding up the wine bottle.

He shook his head. “I’m driving.”

“I brought soda, too.” Shana grinned. “For the boring people.”

“Yeah.” Marley nodded. “That sounds good.”

“Here’s the picture,” Kate said, passing him the white paper with Addy’s drawing on the front.

Marley took it and stared at it, his throat bobbing as he swallowed. “It’s great,” he said.

He sounded genuine. Shana shot her an amused look.

“Addy will be happy you came to get it.”

“Is she awake for me to say thank you?” he asked. His voice was as soft as wool.

Kate shook her head. “She’s asleep. But I’ll pass it on in the morning.”

“Thanks.” He took the can of soda Shana was holding out and popped the cap, taking a long drink. “She’s a good artist.”

“She’ll be very pleased to hear that,” Kate said dryly. “She ate her latest creation for dinner.”

“Hannibal the painter,” Marley said and Kate laughed.

Shana looked at him. “While you’re here, can we get your opinion on something?” Shana said. Kate shot her a confused look and Shana shrugged. “We need a man’s opinion. Kate’s thinking about dating again and we’re trying to find the right guy.”

Kate shot her a dirty look.

Thanks Shana, this wasjustwhat she needed.

“Come outside and sit with us.” Shana shot Marley a wicked grin. “And tell me, if a guy has a sports car, what’s the back seat for?”

Chapter

Eleven

“Damn, my phone is dying.”Shana grimaced as Marley took the seat next to Kate’s. She wouldn’t look at him. And he couldn’t look at her either.

He was angry. And he didn’t have a right to be. He took a deep breath to get his annoyance under control.

Kate had every right to date. She’d been alone for two years after all.

And now he was regretting stopping here after leaving the station. He’d only come to pick up the damn picture, or at least that’s what he was telling himself.

Because the alternative – that he’d come over because he couldn’t keep away from her – felt unpalatable.

“You two stay here,” Shana told them. “I’m just going in to get my charger and battery pack.”

“You take a battery pack wherever you go?” Marley asked her.

Shana shrugged. “I’m a woman. The phone is my security. I always keep it charged up.”

She hopped out of her chair and walked through the kitchen door. Marley turned to look at Kate. “So…”

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