He gestured at the table. “A seat.”

“That’s all?”

“What more do you want?”

“I don’t know. I don’t know anything right now. I feel like I’ve just been put through a meat grinder.”

He’d never experienced heartbreak on the level she seemed to be experiencing it—not the romantic kind. But pain was pain, and he was well-acquainted with that. “Well … I’m a good listener, if you need to talk.”

She kept her gaze fastened to his as she took another sip of her drink. “A man who looks as good as you do is never quite that harmless.”

He heard the barista call his name above their conversation and that of everyone else in the shop. His coffee was ready. “How long will you be in town?” he asked.

“Not long. Just a few weeks.”

“How much damage could knowing me do in such a short time?”

“I’m already a wreck. I doubt knowing you could do any more damage,” she admitted.

“Then what do you have to lose?” He held out his hand. “Can I see your phone?”

She pulled her cell out of her purse and, somewhat skeptically, let him take it, watching as he added his name and number to her contacts. “I’ll leave you alone for today. You can even have my table. But if you need a friend while you’re here, you’ve got someone to call,” he said and claimed his drink before walking out.

Christmas in Silver Springs—now available for preorder

Also by

Brenda Novak

HER DARKEST NIGHTMARE

HELLO AGAIN

FACE OFF

Praise for Hello Again

“Taking a look into the mind of a serial killer, Novak weaves a chilling tale of psychological intrigue that will have readers on the edge of their seats … The story is a fast-paced, fascinating, and wild ride. Readers will be turning the pages to see what happens next in this incredible thriller by the multi-genre superstar Novak!”

—RT Book Reviews

“A thrilling romantic suspense novel.”

—Fresh Fiction

“Exciting, terrifying, and the type of story that will keep you wondering what could possibly happen next, Hello Again is concrete proof of Brenda Novak’s wonderful writing prowess … [F]ans will undoubtedly enjoy this series and these characters immensely. Highly recommended.”

—Harlequin Junkie

“The ending of Hello Again gave me chills.”

—Unconventional Book Views

“Riveting, dark, and spine-chillingly eerie … A clever, gritty, and incredibly captivating tale that not only has all the elements you look for in a romantic suspense novel but proves Novak is still one of the best in the genre.”

—What’s Better Than Books

“I couldn’t stop reading. Novak really has a way of drawing you in and keeping you on the edge of your seat. The suspense is thrilling in this book, breathtaking even.”

—Book Binge

Praise for
Her Darkest Nightmare

“The first in the new Dr. Evelyn Talbot series proves that bestselling Novak is as equally adept at crafting dark, intense suspense novels as she is at writing emotionally compelling love stories.”