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“She was killed during a robbery.”
Abby sucked in a breath. “That’s awful.”
“That’s why he wanted to move here. To get her out of the city.”
“That’s understandable. I can’t even imagine. That poor girl.”
I know what Abby was thinking. At least Hunter still had a dad in his life, even if it wasn’t full time. “Ben wasn’t seeing her when she died. From what it sounds like, they weren’t together when she found out she was pregnant.”
Thinking back, I thought there might be more to that story. His expression had been slightly pained when he’d recited it.
“They co-parented?”
“Sounds like it. He had Cammie most weekends. She had her during the week.”
“Now he’s single parenting full time. That must be an adjustment.” Abby pulled out a tube of lip stick.
“He seems to be handling it well.” Cammie seemed like she was handling her mother’s death and the move as well as she could. Although, I didn’t see her at home. Maybe she was just good at covering it.
Abby moved over to me. “Promise me you’ll keep an open mind. That you’ll let go of your fear and let Ben in a little?”
My jaw ached from grinding my teeth. “I don’t know if I can promise that.”
Abby’s expression softened. “One of us should be happy.”
“You are happy. You have Hunter.” Panic slid down my spine. If Abby wanted more, then where did that leave me? I’d always held on to the fact that we were both in the same position, reluctant to trust again.
Abby shot me an exasperated look. “It’s not the same, and you know it. I want to take a chance on someone again.”
“You would?” Our conversation was throwing me for a loop.
“Hunter could use a father figure, and as I said, I’m lonely. I’ve been doing this on my own since the beginning.” Longing filled her tone.
Abbywaslonely. How had I not seen it?
Abby turned to face me, resting a hip against the counter. “I didn’t tell you so you’d feel guilty. I just want you to take an opportunity if one arises.”
“And you think Ben is that opportunity?” I asked carefully.
“I always thought you guys had something for each other in high school. The way you constantly taunted each other in your businesses. It’s like pulling a girl’s pigtails in kindergarten, except Ben pushed all your buttons.”
“He’s good at that.” Except he didn’t do that so much anymore. The last time he came to talk to me about work, he’d kissed me. Had we reached our boiling point, and the only way to release the tension was physical? It was an intriguing idea. One that had my body humming with possibilities.
“Do you get the impression he’d be a good boyfriend, maybe even make a good husband one day?”
I shook my head vehemently. “I’ll never get married again.”
“You can’t let one guy ruin your future.” Abby watched me carefully.
“That’s not what I’m doing.” My heart pounded louder in my chest.
“Isn’t it?”
My skin felt itchy all over. “I’m being careful.”
“By never having a boyfriend or getting married again? Plenty of people go on to marry someone else.” She shook her head in exasperation.
“I can’t.” I couldn’t explain to her how humiliated I was when I discovered Levi’s deceit. I’d thought I was so smart, and I wasn’t. Ben would think I was an idiot for believing him, too.
