Andee nodded and started down the path. “I think he’ll be disappointed,” she commented, not quite ready to let it go yet. “This is the first time, as far as I know, that he’s shown any interest in a woman since his wife died. In fact, he’s always warning us not to try pairing him off.”

Though Claudia felt flattered by Dan’s interest, it made no difference; she knew she couldn’t see him.

“He’s a really great guy,” Andee persisted, “and you seemed to be getting along well at Tom and Leanne’s . . .”

“You’re right, he’s very nice,” Claudia interrupted, “but I don’t think . . . I wouldn’t want to give the impression that I’m interested in being in a relationship, because I’m really not.”

“OK, I’ll tell him, but if you change your mind . . .”

“I won’t, but thanks.”

As Claudia drove back toward town, a quick visit to the coach house forgotten, a surge of frustration was building up inside her. She hated and resented the fact that Marcus continued to impact her life, and in so many ways, from the voices in her head to the fear of someone finding her and now this. For the truth was, she’d like to see Dan again—she’d even imagined where they might go and what they might talk about, but she was afraid to chance it. One single date was all it would take for him to realize that she wasn’t who she was pretending to be—or that she was hiding something—or that she was quite simply dishonest. He didn’t deserve that.

No, it was best they didn’t meet again. That way no misunderstandings could occur, and no damage would be done.

“I’M REALLY SORRY,” Andee said when she caught up with Dan later at his law firm. The staff had all gone home, but Graeme was there, signing a property contract that Dan had drawn up for him.

“She doesn’t want me to call,” Dan said, resignation masking his disappointment as he passed her a gin and tonic. “I just hope it didn’t create any awkwardness for you.”

“I wouldn’t say that,” she assured him, and sitting on one of his blue leather sofas, she raised her glass to him and said, “Actually, if you want my opinion, I think she’s been badly hurt in the past and she just isn’t ready to take the risk again.”

With a certain wryness he replied, “Well, I think we can all understand that.”

Graeme put down his pen and sat back comfortably in Dan’s chair. “Andee, I think you should tell him what you’ve found out,” he said quietly.

Dan regarded Andee with interest.

Slanting Graeme a look, Andee said, “OK, but if I do, it must go no further than this room.”