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Still, she found it annoying, because it made her think about the past. About what could have been, and it still hurt. She wanted to be over it and never feel that sharp twinge in her chest again, but although it had faded, it still existed.
“It wasn’t your fault. It happened eleven years ago.”
“And you haven’t been serious about anyone since?”
“No.”
An awkward silence stretched between them. He probably thought she was some weird, obsessed woman forever pining for her lost love.
Rather than try to explain or assure him, she decided it was safer to change the subject. Kelly took a sip of wine before asking, “What about you? The tabloids said you were married once. What happened?”
“You’ve read enough Hollywood love stories in the tabloids. It’s the same as the rest… We got together when we were first starting out in the business. My career took off and hers didn’t. It put a strain on our marriage. Didn’t make it past five years before she took me for half. Thank God we never had kids.”
Hank spoke of it so matter of fact, but Kelly could tell the memory still stung by the tightening at the corners of his stormy gray eyes. “That really sucks.”
He shrugged. “It’s life. Sometimes you get lucky and other times, you come out with nothing.”
She pulled her hand away from his and took another drink of her wine. Even though she’d lost Ray, she didn’t feel as though she had nothing in her life. “I’ve been lucky in other aspects, if not in love. I’ve got a great business. Good friends. Chris.”
“Chris, your lawyer?” he asked.
“Yeah, and best friend. We’ve known each other since we were thirteen.”
He quirked one eyebrow. “Never dated?”
“Not once. It’s always been platonic.” At least, it used to be.
“No such thing.”
Her eyes narrowed in irritation. “Excuse me?”
“I’m just saying that men and women cannot be friends. Eventually, someone is going to confess their feelings and when the other person rejects them, it will ruin the illusion of friendship forever.”
“The illusion of…good God, you’re a pessimist.”
Hank clucked his tongue, his expression scolding. “I’m a realist. Either you are holding a candle for him or he’s got a big old shine for you. Either way, you’re fooked.”
She bit her lip to keep from laughing at the way he said fucked. It almost completely dissolved her annoyance with him, it was that cute.
Of course, almost didn’t count. Especially when she was already sensitive where Chris was concerned. “We aren’t. Chris was best friends with my fiancée, Ray. Believe me, he feels nothing more than brotherly toward me.”
Hank leaned forward, bringing his face closer to hers. “It’s you then, is it? You got a thing for your fancy lawyer friend?”
She moved a little closer, teasing him. “Nope.”
Hank cocked his head to the side and scoffed. “I don’t believe it, but there’s one true test to be sure.”
“And what’s that?”
“Get naked in front of each other.”
Kelly nearly blew wine out of her nose. “What?”
“Ye heard me. Parade around him in nothing but your birthday suit. If he doesn’t jump your bones he’s either not interested or gay. Same goes for you.”
Kelly coughed, trying to disguise her laughter. “You’re a terrible man.”
“Not what you’d be saying if you stripped for me, love.”
