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“That’s a long way from here. If you don’t mind me asking, what made you move here?”
“A good friend of mine relocated here, and it was time for a change.” Her gut tightened.
“Is there something wrong?”
“Not at all.”
“Are you sure you’re okay? It seems like I hit on a sore subject.” Jon took on a puzzled look as he sipped his wine.
“I’m fine. I was thinking about my grandmother. The anniversary of her death is coming up. It wasn’t easy after she passed away.” If he asked about her job in New Jersey, she’d lose it. She sipped her wine, waiting for the next question.
“I’m so sorry about your grandmother.”
“It was many years ago, but thank you.”
“Well, whatever brought you here, I’m happy you’re here.”
He touched her arm, circling his thumb in a slow, gentle motion, and it brought her comfort. His tender touch set her mind at ease. This wasn’t the time to discuss her past or the reason she gave up teaching.
After they shared a decadent dessert, she couldn’t wait to be alone with him. She had opened up to him about her feelings for her grandmother, and hadn’t done so with other men in the past. She usually kept all discussions of her family to herself. Maybe she didn’t trust them enough to let anyone inside.
It didn’t worry her that Jon hadn’t mentioned plans for another night out. He escorted her onto the dance floor, and with their bodies close, she longed for a deeper connection, but something seemed different. His body stiffened and he refrained from stealing a kiss. Had she said or done something to offend him?
The waiter handed Jon the check and soon after, they headed out.
****
Jon pulled up in front of her place, shut off the car, and turned toward her. He cleared his throat. “I had a great time, but I have an early day tomorrow, so I’m sorry to say I have to get home. There are a couple of things I need to straighten out to prepare for a case.” His face was expressionless, making it difficult for her to read his thoughts.
Had he found her too forward? Maybe he’d lost interest. An aggressive woman might scare away a man who liked power. Knowing she really didn’t do anything out of line, she dismissed the thought. Unless, of course, he could read minds. Then he’d know she wanted him in her bed. During dinner, she’d undressed him with her eyes, imagining running her fingers through his hair, smothering him with kisses. Frustrated, she tried to face her disappointment with dignity.
“Sure, no problem.” Her heart sank. Was he kidding? His body language during dinner didn’t give a clue to an early departure. But it wasn’t in her nature to beg. “I had a wonderful time too. Thank you for everything.”
Getting out of the car as fast as she could was her plan. It figured she’d fall for another man with serious issues. This wasn’t how she’d expected the date to end. After a passion-filled first meeting, and then an evening of flirting during dinner, it shocked her to get the cold shoulder. Not even a peck on the cheek?
He pulled away quickly and was out of sight before she even made it to her front door. Embarrassed to be so vulnerable, she blinked back the tears. Pressure hit the top of her head and ran across her forehead. The whole thing seemed like a joke. Who did he think he was?
Kicking a newspaper aside, she opened her door and went inside. She took her cellphone out of her bag.
Chapter 4
Regret hit Jon the minute he pulled away from Krista’s house. She was the woman he’d been waiting for, and he let her go. Surely, she’d wondered why he had kept his distance, but it wasn’t right to bring her into his gruesome nightmare. Maybe at another time, things would be different.
He dialed her number.
She answered with a soft hello.
“It’s me, Jon.”
He inhaled as the blood left his head. A sinking feeling hit the pit of his stomach like a shot of Peppermint Schnapps. He gripped the wheel, his gaze glued to the road, and waited. The silence was deafening.
“Are you there?” he asked.
“Yes, I’m here. Are you okay?”
“Not really. I called to apologize for being a jerk.” Muscle soreness started in the back of his neck and traveled across his entire back. The warmth of her touch was a distant memory. If he’d showed his true feelings, she’d be wrapped in his arms, instead of home alone. The savvy lawyer fumbling with words was a joke.Get it together.“Can I come back? I’d like to discuss this in person.”
“I’m tired. Can we do it another time?” The coldness in her words struck him like a sharp blade. He’d lost ground, and desperation wasn’t appealing, so he wouldn’t push the issue.
