Page 281 of Hidden Depths

“It doesn’t matter.”

“It matters to you.”

“It shouldn’t.”

Her expression softened.

“But it does.”

I looked toward Ward.

He had turned slightly away, but I could still see the tension in his shoulders.

“He’s engaged.”

“I know.”

“He made her a promise.”

“Yes.”

“And when this is over, he’ll go and marry her.”

Calle didn’t answer.

She didn’t have to.

We both knew the truth.

Whatever existed between Ward and me...

Whatever passed through his eyes when he thought I wasn’t watching...

It couldn’t become anything.

Not while another woman wore his ring.

I stepped aboard Sea Whisper.

Before I could disappear below deck, Ward’s voice stopped me.

“Storm.”

I turned.

He was walking toward me, his phone still in his hand.

His expression was unreadable.

“Everything okay?” I asked.

The question nearly broke my heart.

Ward looked at me for a long moment.

“No.”

Just one word.