“Like I said, Nick, we have to talk.” Her tone was impatient.
“All right.” He removed his coat and threw it on a chair and they sat across from each other. “We left things wide open three nights ago.”
Her eyes flamed like green fire. “You were gone in the morning before I got up.”
“I was. I’m sorry. I panicked.”
“It gave me time to think clearly.” For a moment, he saw regret on her face. “I’ve decided not to have a sexual relationship with you.”
His whole body stiffened. “Why?”
She cocked her head. “I’m not sure I could ever trust you, Nick.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes. I think you fell into this relationship without really wanting to.”
He knew that was true. “I keep to myself.”
“Why?”
“I don’t want to feel anything too deeply.”
“That’s what I’m saying. You don’t want a serious relationship. So why are you arguing for one?”
“I don’t know. I just…it was so…I felt…” He went silent.
“You can’t even get it out so I’ll say it. Being with you was too intense for us both, I think.”
“I lost all control with you.”
“It was the same for me. And I don’t want that either. It’s too…risky, I guess.” She stood and held out her hand. “So let’s part amicably. We’ll have a professional relationship only.”
He stood and took her hand. He was tempted to drag her to him and kiss her senseless because she thought she could just discard him.
But she’d been right. He didn’t want her in his life. It was too dangerous to his sanity.
Chapter 4
A few days later, Nick called his mother before he left for work. She answered. “Hello, Nicky.”
“Hello, Mom. How are you feeling?” It had been a week since her heart attack and he’d checked in every day.
“I’m getting around pretty easy, and the boys come over all the time.”
He felt a twinge of guilt. “Tell me what you do all day.”
After she recounted her routines, he said, “I’m afraid I have to go. I’ll call again soon. And I’ll see you at Christmas. That’s not too far away.”
“Of course, son.” She never asked for more from him.
Determined to concentrate on his job, Nick headed to Pax’s house. The cedar-sided ranch was shaded by trees and populated by flowers up the walkway. He rang the bell. Steph opened the door, Mutt at her side. Her hair was mussed and she wore a bathrobe. The dog barked at him. “Hi, Steph. Is Pax available to see me?”
“Yeah. We just got up. We didn’t get back till late last night.”
“I wouldn’t have bothered you on your first day back but the pretrial conference is tomorrow.”
Her smile faded a bit. She folded her arms across her chest. “I can’t wait until this is all over.”
