“Wait . . . back up. Did I miss something?”

“No.” He sighed. “You interpreted my first comment correctly. My feelings for you, even at this early stage, are deeper than they were for Karen. But that doesn’t mean I’m husband material. A woman deserves a man who’s comfortable expressing feelings. I was only able to handle this discussion today because I could hide in the dark while we talked. That’s the reality.”

So her theory had been correct. He viewed the dim car as a safe place for sharing touchy-feely information.

“But we did talk, no matter the environment. That’s what counts. And while you may be uncomfortable with emotional discussions, the evidence suggests you have feelings—and a warm, caring heart.”

“It’s a moot point anyway.”

Another curveball.

“What do you mean?”

“My emotional aptitude isn’t the only issue. After I saw what my injury did to someone strong and capable like Karen, I realized it wouldn’t be fair to subject another woman to that kind of pressure. If Karen could fold, anyone could—and I couldn’t live with myself if I had to watch someone I care about go through that again.”

“Does that mean you’ve shut the door to romance?”

“Yes.”

“But that’s . . . that’s crazy!” The words popped out before she could stop them, and she clapped a hand over her mouth. This wasn’t her radio program, where she spouted off uncensored opinions on topics of the day. This was an interpersonal relationship with a man who required kid-glove handling on topics of the heart.

“Sorry.” She touched his arm again. “I didn’t mean to come off so . . .”

“Honest?” A touch of humor lurked in his voice. “Your candor is one of the qualities I lo . . . like about you. If I didn’t know otherwise, I’d think you and Adam had talked.”

Thank goodness he hadn’t taken offense at her less-than-tactful pronouncement.

“He agrees with me?”

“Yes. And he tends to be far more direct than you were about his opinions. During our last discussion on the subject, he told me I was nuts.”

Kudos to his buddy. Sometimes friends—or sisters—could rush in where angels feared to tread.

“Why don’t you listen to him? He’s your best friend.”

“I take everything he says in the romance department with a grain of salt. Since he met Rebecca—and married her six months ago—he views the world through rose-colored glasses and sees happy endings around every corner.”

“Not a bad attitude.”

“But not realistic. You and I both know from our professions that’s not how the world is.”

“The parts we control can be, if we work at it.” They were approaching the exit for the radio station—and their situation was still in limbo.

They needed a resolution before they parted.

“What time does Meg get to work?” He flipped on his blinker.