Page 78 of Traces Of You
In his mind, what they had was a relationship.
An extension of what was started twenty years ago.
“Then we should have a family dinner without my drama in it.”
“I’ll pass that on,” he said.
He grabbed plates and put them on the table, then set a serving platter next to the stove as she flipped the bread.
“Help yourself to more coffee.”
She refilled her cup and then grabbed creamer out of the fridge. He snagged a mug hanging on a hook under the cabinet and did the same.
“Can we talk about last night?”
Her shoulders tensed. “What about it?”
“I want to make sure you know that what we did, I don’t take lightly.”
“Meaning?”
“Meaning that I hope you’re not also. I’m a faithful man.”
One that struggled to find anyone that would put up with his job and loyalty to his family.
His ex had issues with the time he spent at his job, but being newly elected sheriff, he had to put more work in. He owed it to his community.
When his father had his accident, his family took up the other time and Carey was soon out the door.
He had done little more than date someone a few weeks here and there since.
“I never thought otherwise,” she said. “I wouldn’t cheat. I’m barely leaving this property.”
“That isn’t what I meant.” She put three finished pieces on a plate and then made three more.
“What did you mean?” She picked the plate up and handed it to him. “Go eat while it’s warm.”
“I’m waiting.” It’s how he was raised. You didn’t eat until everyone was at the table. “I mean that what we have, this isn’t a fling or a passing thought. You said you don’t want to leave. You told me that the first day, right?”
“Yes.”
He was looking into her eyes and all he saw in the deep brown depth was the truth to that word.
“So it means what we have is a relationship. Last night wouldn’t have happened if I thought you were going to take off on me.”
He hoped that was the case. He’d hate to think he was so weak that he would have given in to her.
“I don’t want to leave,” she said.
But that didn’t mean she wouldn’t be forced to and he knew enough to drop it before either of them said something that hurt.
He was positive it would be him with the bruised heart.
21
SURVIVAL MODE
“Is that all you’re buying?”
