Page 98 of No More Heartbreakers

When we reached my apartment building, he parked at the curb and turned to me with shining eyes.

“You were never a waste of time, Heidi.” He swallowed loudly. “And I don’t hate you.”

He opened his hand, looking down at the glittering ring. Had he been holding it this entire time?

“I just wish—I should never have asked for the damn break. And I definitely should have done something sooner—as soon as you mentioned Aric. I should have fought for you.”

My voice was soft in the quiet car.

“Don’t you think it’s significant that you didn’t? One of these days you’re going to meet someone youwillwant to fight for. You’ll know thatnothingand no one could stop you from being with her. Someone who’s just right for you, who wants to stay local, live on the ranch, to share your life—exactly as it is—more than anything in the world.”

I bit back a sob, realizing this was likely the last time I’d ever talk to him. “That girl is out there. And when you meet her, you’ll be very, very glad things happened this way.”

Hale’s hand closed over the ring again, hiding it from my view. “I seriously doubt that. Seems like I’m always offering too little, too late.”

“What do you mean?” Had he been in another relationship that had ended this way?

“Never mind. It doesn’t matter.” He sat staring out the windshield until I opened my door to get out.

“I’m sorry,” I repeated, not knowing what else to say, and slid out of the seat.

His reply came in a choked voice, just before the car door swung shut.

“Be happy, Heidi.”

I let myself into the dark, silent apartment, planning to head straight for the open bottle of wine in my refrigerator. It was indescribably good to be back in my cramped little hole, my refuge.

This night couldnothave gone any worse.

But it was about to.

TWENTY-FIVE

Strange Bedfellows

I poured myself a generous glass of wine and got into bed fully clothed, gathering my pillows and comforter around me like a fortress and wishing I had a dog or a cat.

Someone who’d be happy to see me and love me in spite of the fact that I was a total idiot.

There was no time to wallow in self-recrimination at the moment—I needed to regroup quickly and repair whatever damage had been done with Aric.

Turning on my phone, I saw a missed call from Mara.

Several calls. As well as one from Janet, who was no doubt returning my frantic call from earlier tonight.

Well, it was too late now. The video had either aired or it hadn’t. I’d talk to her tomorrow and explain everything.

First things first. In terms of huge messes, unraveling the one with Aric took priority.

It was so late—he was probably upset with me over that, evenifthe incriminating video hadn’t made it on air.

My call to him went right to voicemail. Not a good sign.

Okay, next. I pressed the button to return Mara’s call.

Shewould answer, and she’d certainly have some expert advice on navigating the guilt-wake left behind after breaking a guy’s heart.

She answered immediately. “Oh. My. God. What the hell is going on with you? You gotengaged? ToHale?”

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