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“Derek’s not like that,” I say underback

“Derek was alone for how long after his wife died?”

“Six years” Reaching out, I trace the wood grain with ernail

“And he works in the security business Investigations Things that require the utmost secrecy”

My jaw tightens “Yes”

“Derek Alexander is a war hero, a officer? His friends and coworkers trust him? Vouch for his trustworthiness?”

“Of course” Pressure is building insideupward in my chest

“Honey,” she exhales a chuckle “Give the man a chance to mess up once before you throw him out of your life Especially one as handsome and clearly devoted to you as that one”

“You don’t understand It was more than once, and the secrets he kept were” I can’t tell her the whole story “They were huge”

“Another woman?”

“No!” The very idea burns in my stomach

Bea’s lips curl at my response “Have you heard from him?”

“He texts ”

“Oh, sweetie” Her warh me like a wave, and I knohat has to happen The truth is clear as a bell I don’t knohy I didn’t see it sooner

“Love is a risk,” she says “Putting your heart out, ine how gun-shy you must feel after your last experience But trust ht man this time Everyone can see it”