Page 44 of A Simple Life

We tiptoed back to the living room, the night-light casting stars and shimmering moons on the ceiling.

“Will she wake up?”

“No, usually once she’s down, that’s it. Unless there is another loud storm.”

“I think it’s passed.”

“Good.”

I sat on the sofa, pulling Quinn close. She snuggled beside me, her head on my shoulder.

“You okay?” I asked.

“I’m good. Having you here really helped.”

I pressed a kiss to her head. “Good, but I meant about earlier. Sharing your story with me.”

“Yes. I feel…I don’t know, lighter, having shared it.”

“That’s always a positive.”

She was quiet then looked up at me. “That day when you stopped to help me with my tire, you said something.”

“I said a lot of stupid things.”

“No, I meant you said something that stuck with me. About someone flirting with a stranger and it not being the first time.”

“Ah, that.”

“That happened to you?” she whispered.

“Yeah. My ex.”

She turned, taking my hand. “I’ll listen if you want.”

I ran my knuckles down her cheek, not really wanting to talk about my past, but knowing she deserved to know my story too.

I blew out a long breath. “I’ll keep this short since I don’t like thinking about it, never mind talking.”

“You don’t have to,” she offered.

I hunched closer and kissed her. “Yeah, this time, I do.”

Maybe I’d feel lighter too.

12

JOHN

Ipaused, gathering my thoughts. She didn’t rush me or ask questions, simply waiting for me to be ready.

“I met Moira at an equipment auction. She was a sales rep, and we talked. I found her attractive, smart. When I was leaving, we bumped into each other, and she gave me her number. I called and asked her out. She lived in Wells, which is another little town close to here.”

“I looked there. Not as nice as Richton.”

I smiled at her words. I had to agree with her.

“She traveled a lot with her job. Always on the go. She was a no-nonsense person. A real go-getter.” I snorted, thinking about it. “A user.”