Page 33 (1/2)

A loneliness he’d never noticed before perh the rooms but he craved direct contact, a real conversation He hter and enthusiasot more time with her than he did

He never should have pushed When she’d come so naturally into his ared The softness of her curves pressed against his chest The silky brush of her curls He had ached to pull her into the bedrooain Now, he realized it was the epitoroaned So stupid Instead of being rational and giving her the time she needed, he had threatened her Yeah, the blood had definitely gone to his other head, and he had no excuse Her heartfelt statement about her own happily-ever-after seared into his brain and broke his heart Was that what he’d done to her? Ripped away her illusions and dreams?

He alorried he’d break her heart one day Sure, he was forced intoher, but why didn’t it feel like such a chore? Why did he look forward to coliot him

Depression settled over him The hell with it He’d cook dinner and force her to interact Max headed toward the bedrooed into jeans and a black T-shirt He poured two glasses of Merlot and settled on a chicken salsa dish she’d like Thea meal soothed hiranite countertops, a Sub-Zero fridge, a brick oven for pizza, and a Viking stove The island cut through the main area with a sink and separate work area, a breakfast bar, and cushioned leather stools He grabbed a few copper pots, drizzled in the olive oil, and began chopping tomatoes and onions Ten minutes later, she clattered down the stairs and stood fra Don’t wait up"

He thren the knife and leaned one hip against the counter "I’?"

"Bookstore"

"Stay for a bite You need food before your long shift"

She shifted on her feet, obviously te at the café"

"They only have snacks, you need protein For God’s sake, I pro in my company Sit"

"I don’t--"

"Sit"

She pulled out a chair and sat Her immediate response reave him an instant hard-on He slid the chicken onto a plate, topped it with salsa, and plopped it on the counter with a fork She dove in with her usual relish,those yummy sounds of pleasure He shifted with disco out about our dove?"

"Yes I tracked the tag to an owner about fifty eon, known as a rock dove Naular racer, but he sends her out on occasionalto a club, and I guess all their doves returned except Gabby He’s been frantic"

Max filled his own plate and slid into the stool across froeons even existed Is he co to pick her up?"

She took a sip of her wine "No, I explained e did and the dareed to let me take care of her here until she’s healed Then I can let her fly home If there are any problems with her recovery, he’ll drive over to pick her up, but I think she’s doing better already She’s alert and see before she can be released?"

"Two to three weeks, depending" A smile broke over her face "The owner said she was used to carry letters back and forth between separated couples Isn’t that cool?"

He smiled back "Extreet attached"

Her nose scrunched up "I know She’s only a bird, so I should be okay"

"Oh, yeah What about the chipot about that! But I was young"

He snorted and forked another piece of chicken "You named him Dale fro You set him up in the shed with his own man cave No wonder the rodent didn’t want to leave"

"Don’t call hi"

"He was damn mean Bit me and Michael all the tiht all his rodent friends to party and ere afraid to even go in and get our bikes"

Her dark eyes glowed and the lines in her beautiful face softened "Papa got so mad They chewed holes in the wall and stored towers of nuts He forced et rid of Dale"

"You cried for days"

"I have trouble letting go of those I love"

The startling confession burst through the roo her words, and concentrated on her plate Max spoke softly "I know They always seeh "

Carina refused to look up He fought the urge to caress her cheek and kiss the sadness away Instead, he poured ? Are you still doing portraits?"