Page 176 of His Christmas Temptation

“Glad to hear it. Your grandfather used to do the same.”

Did he?

“And Kaylee?”

He dropped into her chair.

“My dear Evan. You look like hell. No sleep? Too much whiskey?”

Not knowing where to begin, he didn’t respond.

“Do you want to tell me where your runaway bride is?”

He exhaled and took a drink before going for brutal honesty. “She’s not my wife.”

“I see.” Unruffled, she regarded him.

“You don’t seem surprised.”

“Not in the least.”

He blinked. For the third time since he walked through the door, he couldn’t comprehend the events around him.

“Evan, Evan. You would have never gotten married without telling me. You’re not that good at keeping secrets or hiding.”

Could be true. One time when he’d gotten in trouble at boarding school, he’d called home and confessed before the headmistress had the chance to.

“I can surmise that you didn’t want to marry Milena.”

He angled his head in agreement.

“So you found a woman of your own, which I always hoped would happen.” She paused, then, with a sage nod, added, “Kaylee is an excellent choice.”

“It wasn’t real. And she’s gone.”

“Why do you suppose that is?”

“How the hell do I know?” Frustration at the boiling point, he pushed back from the desk and strode to the window.

Then, dragging his hand through his hair, he faced his Gran again.

Though she regarded him, she said nothing.

“You should know. In every way possible, she told you after dinner at my house on Christmas Eve.”

The fuck?He scowled. “Did you two have a private conversation I know nothing about?”

“There was no need. It was apparent.”

He couldn’t have been more oblivious, and his grandmother had seen what was happening?

“She cares for you, Evan. Deeply.”

“I think you’re mistaken.”

“Am I?” Regarding him, she drank her coffee.

He folded his arms. “Go on.”

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