When Kate got home to Reid’s, she learned he too had struck out with Ashton. They made dinner together, but the easiness between them was gone. After they cleaned up, they went upstairs to hang out in his room as they did most nights. Kate practiced her guitar while he did some work he’d brought home with him.

Her cell phone rang, and Kate saw it was her mother calling again. This time she took the call.

“Hi, Mom.”

“Kate! Where have you been? I’ve been so worried.”

“I’m sorry. I’ve had a rough couple of days.”

“So I’ve heard. Are you all right?”

“I guess so, except Dad’s not speaking to me.”

“He’s beside himself.”

“Are you calling to tell me you’re through with me, too?”

“I’m calling to make sure you’re all right and to tell you I want you here this weekend as we planned.”

“You do? So you’re not mad?”

“I’m not thrilled, Kate. But we’ll talk about it this weekend, okay?”

Just hearing her mother’s voice made her want to weep like a baby. “Okay,” Kate said, choking back a sob.

“Everything’s going to be all right, honey. I promise. I’ll pick you up in Burlington on Friday night.”

“See you then.” Kate ended the call and wiped her face.

Reid came over to sit with her and put an arm around her. “What’d she say?”

Kate wiped away more tears. “Not much. She said we’ll talk this weekend when I go up there.”

He kissed away the rest of her tears on his way to her lips.

Kate put her arms around him, and he stretched out next to her on the sofa. The fire crackled in the background as they kissed. But when he cupped her breast and ran his thumb over her nipple, Ashton’s ugly words came to mind. She pulled free of Reid’s embrace.

“Kate?”

“I’m sorry. I’m just not in the mood.” For the first time, making love with him didn’t appeal to her at all.

Chapter 32

Clare was ready when Aidan got home just before eight. Beef stew simmered on the stove, and she was in the den folding the last of the laundry when she heard him come in. This is it. You love him, you trust him. You’re going to tell him.

“Something smells really good.” He leaned over to kiss her and brought the scent of fresh air and sawdust with him.

Wrapping her arms around his neck, she drew him down to the sofa.

“I missed you,” he said, holding her tight against him.

His passionate kisses soon had her trembling and needy. “You were only gone a few hours.”

“I missed you,” he insisted as he reached under her sweater. “I want you.”

“Now?”

“Now.” He kissed his way up her neck before he reclaimed her lips. “Always.”