Read Online Second Time Around by Carol Steward - Free Book Online Page B

them. After confirming ownership by checking Emily’s identification, he opened the front door. Kevin paid the man and came back to the truck for Emily.
    Once inside the house, he deposited her on the sofa and closed the front door.
    â€œThank you for the ride home, Kevin. I don’t want to delay you any longer.”
    Ignoring her, he loosened his tie and turned away, pacing the room. “I know you don’t want to believe me, but I’m really not the louse your mother made me out to be. Yet I’m not here tonight to start over, either.”
    She stared at his broad shoulders, at the curls of blond hair, at the tension in his jaw. Part of her wanted to cry at his admission, and another part wanted to laugh. Not as much had changed about Kevin as she’d originally thought. Cynicism might have overshadowed his sense of humor at times, but he was still as open as could be. “Thank you for clarifying that.” She didn’t know whether to be hurt or relieved. “However, you don’t need to stay. I can take care of myself—been doing it all my life.” She didn’t mean to sound harsh, but the words had an unavoidable bite to them.
    â€œI just want you to understand, there’s no room for dreams of family in my life. We both have other things we have to do now. Life goes on.”
    â€œWhy don’t we just avoid seeing each other altogether?” she snapped. How dare he presume she was even remotely interested in a relationship with him again?
    â€œCome on, Emily. It may be over between us, but we can try at least to be civil, can’t we?” He straightened his back, and his eyes narrowed. “Once I’m sure you’re okay, I’ll be out of here. But until then, sit back, relax, and tell me where I could find your coffeepot. We’re going to need something to keep us awake.”
    â€œDon’t bother, Kevin. I’ll be fine.”
    Kevin glanced around the room, from the checkered sofa to the fresh flowers on the dining room table. Trying to close the door on his curiosity, he looked back to Emily, who was now falling asleep.
    â€œOpen your eyes, Emmy.”
    They popped open.
    â€œWhat day is it?” he asked.
    She looked at him, annoyed. “Friday.”
    â€œHow old are you?”
    She hesitated.
    â€œCome on, Emily. It’s not like we have any real secrets, is it?”
    â€œThirty-two,” she admitted reluctantly, as if it would be news to him. He knew she’d be thirty-three in two months. Surely Emily didn’t think he’d forgotten her birthday.
    â€œYour sisters’ names?”
    â€œLisa and Katarina. See, I passed the test.”
    â€œYour boyfriend’s name?”
    She laughed. “Nice try.”
    He smiled. “Never hurts to ask.” He looked into her green eyes, noting there was no difference between the pupils. He continued to examine them,while stealing a peek at the woman inside—the woman he had known and loved long ago. There was an impenetrable wall there, and he felt a shock of disappointment zap him back to reality.
    â€œYou’re free to go home. I know what to watch for—headache, nausea, dilated pupils.”
    â€œTime will tell, won’t it?” He moved to a chair across the room. “Humor me, prove me wrong.”
    â€œIt’s been a very long day, Kevin, and I’d like to go to bed—er, get some sleep.” She turned her body, dropped her feet from the sofa to the floor.
    â€œYou know I can’t let you do that. Come on, Emmy, pretend eight years ago never happened, just for tonight. I’m not going anywhere.” He slipped his loafers off and set them neatly next to the chair. After an uncomfortable silence, Kevin leaned back and crossed one ankle over the opposite knee. “So what’s wrong with Laura?”
    He saw a sad and pained expression flash in her eyes. “I think that’s for them to say.” She