But that was crazy, wasn’t it? She barely knew the guy. To say nothing of the fact that he was off-limits. No, her stupid imagination was working overtime, as was Ward McKenzie’s more down-to-earth appeal, much the same way it had that day she’d bumped into him at the coffee place.

The tough-guy macho facade she could handle. It was the softer, vulnerable, more human side – the real him – that made her feel so discomfited. And since this very side was the one Hannah was actively working to bring to the forefront, she knew she’d better snap out of it, fast.

She’d worked hard enough to disentangle herself from the disaster she’d been central to on the other side of the country.

So what she needed to do now was focus her efforts on getting Ward McKenzie’s image in shape and further down her list of priorities.

And try her damnedest to ensure that she didn’t get caught up in any similar messes this side too.

Chapter 37

WARD

When Ward saw Johnny enter the diner, he waved him over, standing up and giving his friend a solid hug as soon as he arrived.

‘How’s it going, Mr Sensitive?’ Johnny asked, grinning.

‘Wow. Just jumped right in on that, huh?’

His friend’s laughter boomed as he clapped Ward on the back, slid into the booth, and sat down. ‘Hey, you wouldn’t respect me if I didn’t give you a little hell now and then, right? Shelley says that you’re doing really well with the rehab.’

‘I haven’t had a pill in weeks and I’ve even cut back on the beer. That girl is determined to break my body, Johnny. She’s a tyrant.’

‘That’s why she’s the best. But speaking of tyrants, what else has PR Girl got planned for you these days? Maybe sign you up for a slumber party with some orphans or something?’

‘Hilarious.’

‘You’ve gotta admit, though – she’s doing wonders. You’re a completely different man now, thanks to her – at least, as far as the public goes. For those of us who know you, you’re still the same old jerk you’ve always been. Anyway, what was so important that you had me give up my golf round?’

‘What can I say? I miss seeing your ugly face, that’s all.’

Johnny shook his head. ‘You know better than to try to play that game with me. What’s going on?’

Ward sighed, looking down into the cup of coffee in front of him. He was spared from answering right then when a waitress came over to take their order.

After requesting coffee and a plate of hash browns and two eggs over easy, his friend said, ‘Come on, man. We’ve known each other too long. Just tell me.’

Ward took a deep breath. ‘I’m worried.’