Page 40 of Chasing Sunsets

“How ... why ... who ...” Ruben blinked. “Why would you do this for me?”

“Don’t raise your hopes. As I said, he might not be able to help.”

“It’s amazing he’s even willing to talk to me.” He rattled off his number as Zack typed it into his phone. “Who’s your friend? I want to thank them.”

“I already did. I’m beat. I’m going back to my room. You going inside?”

“Nah.” Ruben stepped alongside him as they returned to the hotel. “I’ve got to tell Tamara about this. She won’t believe it. Zack, I don’t know what to say.”

He grinned. “When the race is over, maybe you’ll buy me that drink.”

~

Following dinner, Kellyexcused herself and acted like she was going to the restroom. Knowing Brett would bring up her talking to Sadie again, she snuck out the hotel exit and onto the Riverwalk in hopes of avoiding him.

She wandered a considerable distance, enjoying the lush foliage and sat on a stone bench for the longest time. Couples strolled by, many holding hands. White lights in the trees canopied over the river ignited glinting sparks on the water. Breezes through the trees softly whispered undecipherable sweet nothings. The incredible beauty around her exuded romance.

Romance.

She missed it.

“You’ve yet to file for a divorce.” Brett’s voice came from somewhere to her left.

Because I still love you.She bit her lip to keep from saying the words. Steeling herself for another confrontation with him, one she’d hoped to avoid, she didn’t comment until he took the spot beside her. “The papers are drawn up and with my attorney.”

Taking a deep breath, she smelled his cologne. He’d been wearing the same scent every day. She’d never smelled it on him before the race. The pleasing fragrance was delightfully zingy without being overpowering.

“Why haven’t you filed?” she asked.

“I have no reason to file.”

Anger flared inside her. “You have every reason.”

“I told you when you announced—” He turned toward her. “Did you notice I used the word announced, like I had no choice in the matter? You didn’t even bother to discuss it with me. You decided marriage got too hard and wanted to quit.”

Good, he was as mad as she was. “It wasn’t your choice whether we separated or not.”

“Obviously. But it would’ve been nice to be consulted.” He glared at her, his eyes searching her face. “Let’s put that aside for one minute. Let’s put aside the fact you cut me in half. I told you then I would wait however long it takes for you to come to your senses.”

That infuriated her even more. “I’m in control of my senses. I do wonder if you are, though.” She didn’t mean for her words to come out loud enough for anyone to hear, but fury had a way of getting away from her.

His eyes narrowed in annoyance before he looked away and stared at the water.

Emotions and thoughts scampered through her mind. Her heart squeezed, painfully. “Will you forgive me, Brett?”

“For what?”

“If I divorce you.”

~

Brett struggled tokeep from yelling at her. “No.” There was no reason for him to lie. He’d never forgive Kelly. They both knew it. She knew the answer to the question before she asked it. For some reason, she insisted on torturing both of them.

“I’m sorry.”

“So you’ve said.”

“We were miserable living together.”

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