Page 22 of Shadows of Before

“That’s an odd way to refer to him.”

“It’s pretty much no strings attached.”

“But you have sex with him, right?”

“Yes, lots.”

“Sweetie, I’m glad you have that in your life.”

“Me, too.”

“Who is it?”

“Does that matter?”

“I’m your best friend, damn it.”

“It’s Will Kirkland.”

“Will Kirkland?SexyWill Kirkland. We used to drool over him in high school. The senior who had everything.”

“Yes. He’s having a hard time now too.” She explained about the Secret Service.

“So he might go back?”

The notion hurt. “If the investigation shows he wasn’t at fault. They’re interviewing all the agents who were there.”

“Poor Will. That must kill him.”

“It does.”

“Anyway,” Mary said, straightening. “You’ve got to clean and paint this place. I’ll stay extra days so I can help.”

“No, Mary, I won’t let you do that. You have a baby to take care of.”

“Dad’s going to give him a bottle. I’ll go home periodically through the day and nurse him. We can start now.”

She shook her head.

“Have Dad and Patrick seen this place? I know Hank hasn’t.”

“Um, no.”

After she set down her mug, Mary stood. “Let’s go change into some crummy clothes and we can clean today.”

When Kate stood still, Mary left the room.

God she’d forgotten how stubborn her sister-in-law was.

Chapter 4

Will was at loose ends. It was because he’d had great sex for nearly two weeks and now Katie was freezing him out. Damn it. On impulse, he got in his car and drove into town. They could go back tojust sexand pick up where they left off.

When he arrived and jogged around to her side of the house, he saw her car was parked in its usual spot. But so was another one. A Honda. Who the hell was here?

He’d damn well find out. He stalked to the door, used the key she’d recently given him and walked inside. He knew he was being irrational—what if she screwing somebody else right now--but he went in anyway. As soon as he walked into the kitchen, he smelled and saw a difference. Furniture had been moved—it should go to the dump—and the walls, counters and appliances had been scrubbed.

Music came from the living room. He followed the noise. Katie and another woman were humming along toSweet Caroline.

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