If the police had sufficient evidence to charge him, he wouldn’t be in their kitchen this morning. He’d be in jail. Or out on bail. And he had been sweet to her yesterday—in his own way. Yes, he’d kept his distance to avoid any stench of vomit, but he’d bought her a carryout dinner. High-carb, of course—but it was the thought that counted, right?

Still . . . she wasn’t ready to cuddle—or go where that would lead. If he’d targeted Eve or fooled around with Candy, that was a game changer. So until she knew for sure, she had to keep her distance, no matter how hard he pushed.

“I’m not up to it, Steve. Going to church wore me out.”

His good humor faded. “So you have time and energy for God, but not your husband.”

Guilt pressed in on her, but she pushed it aside. For once in her life, she had to stay strong. If she’d been wrong about Steve . . . if he’d used her . . . sticking her head in the sand was stupid. “Give me another day or two.”

His eye twitched, and a muscle clenched in his jaw. “Fine.” He shoved his hand into his pocket and pulled out his keys.

“Where are you going?”

“What do you care?” He brushed past her none too gently as he stomped toward the door.

“I care.”

“Yeah.” He paused on the threshold. “How much?”

“What does that mean?”

His lip curled. “Do you care enough to cuddle for a while?”

She fought back a wave of nausea—this one for real. He was measuring her love by whether she’d bend to his will. Do something she was less in the mood than ever to do. Let him control her.

Was that all their relationship was to him? A power play?

“Well?” He glared at her.

She could feel the color draining from her face.

He frowned. “Are you going to puke again?”

“Maybe.” She groped for the back of a chair to steady herself.

Disgust contorted his features. “I’m out of here.”

With that, he swiveled away and pushed through the door, slamming it behind him. Less than thirty seconds later, the garage door rumbled up . . . then down.

He was gone.

Legs quivering, Meg sank into the chair and dropped her head in her hands.

Now what?

If she walked out on him and he was innocent, her marriage would be over—along with the life she’d dreamed of.

But it’s been more dream than reality anyway, Meg. You have to accept that. Admit you made a mistake.

A sob caught in her throat, and her vision misted. That was the harsh truth, and she couldn’t ignore it any longer. Even without the recent developments, Steve hadn’t been the Prince Charming she’d imagined him to be during their courtship.

Far from it.