Read Online The Apartment by Debbie Macomber - Free Book Online Page B

symphony rehearses, then fine, but have the common decency to call first and let me know.”
    â€œAll right,” she agreed, then headed for her room. She hesitated just before she rounded the comer leading to the hallway. “Sean?”
    â€œYes?” he barked.
    â€œI’m sorry.”
    His lips tightened, but he said nothing more.
    * * *
    By the time Hilary was up and around the next morning, Sean had already left for work. She didn’t know how much sleep he’d managed to catch, and felt guilty about that, although she never suspected he’d be so worried about her. It never occurred to her to let him know, although in hindsight she probably should have.
    When she arrived home from the music store early that evening, Sean was sitting in the living room reading the newspaper. His hair was wet as though he was fresh from the shower. He didn’t acknowledge her when she came in the door, but she was certain he was aware of her standing there.
    â€œHello,” she said tentatively, keeping her voice light and breezy. “How was your day?”
    â€œGood.” He didn’t lower the newspaper, nor did he seem to be in the mood for conversation. Hilary could appreciate that—she’d had one of those days herself. At least, that was what she told herself. After she’d changed clothes, she moved into the kitchen, taking a cold bottle of spring water from the refrigerator shelf.
    When he heard her, Sean set aside the paper and came into the kitchen. He glared at her before speaking. “The time’s come for us to clear the air here once and for all.”
    â€œAll right,” she agreed calmly, although her heart was racing.
    â€œI don’t want you to misinterpret what happened.”
    â€œWhen you kissed me?” Her eyes didn’t leave his while she sipped the cool, refreshing water.
    â€œNo,” he said, and smiled fiercely. “I’m talking about last night.”
    â€œAh…and how would I misinterpret that?” She wasn’t being facetious, only curious. “You were upset. Understandably so…and I really should have let you know I was going to be late.”
    â€œI realize you don’t owe me any explanations,” he said. The intense quality hadn’t left his eyes.
    â€œI know, but if you were planning to be out until all hours of the morning, I’d want you to tell me out of common courtesy.” She took another sip of her bottled water, savoring the coolness in her throat.
    Sean was frowning again as if he was surprised by her response. It was almost as if he thought she intended to argue with him.
    â€œI’m playing poker with the guys tonight.”
    â€œHere?” She remembered what a disaster the last time had been.
    â€œNo, we’re headed for Dave’s. His father-in-law’ll be playing with us.” Sean stuffed his hands into his pockets and eyed Hilary. Something about his abruptness gave her the impression he needed to do something with his hands in order to avoid reaching for her. It was a heady thought, and one she dared not cultivate. Then, too, it might have been wishful thinking, because she so desperately wanted him to hold her.
    â€œEnjoy yourself,” she said, meaning it.
    â€œI’m sure I will.”
    He left a few moments later, and it seemed all her joy went with him. She understood Sean’s hesitation when it came to the physical aspect of their relationship. She felt it herself. It was dangerous living together the way they did, sharing the small intimacies of life. They’d only been together a short while, but already Hilary couldn’t imagine what it would be like without Sean. She’d better get used to it, though, she told herself. When the Greers returned in another three weeks, he’d be gone and she’d be alone.
    * * *
    Sean wasn’t sleeping well. For three nights in a row he’d tossed and turned, until the bedding was in