He didn’t have to stay long, though. He wouldn’t stay long. As soon as he passed on the news, he’d get out of there.

But seeing her face when she learned her troubles were almost over would be the highlight of his day.

Get real, Lange. The highlight of your day will be seeing her face, period.

Yeah, yeah.

He stood abruptly, and Colin looked over at him, one eyebrow raised.

Ignoring his colleague, he picked up his cell and made a fast exit. He might be able to hide the truth from his coworkers, but he couldn’t hide it from himself.

Eve Reilly, with her sparkling eyes and sharp wit and innate intelligence, had him flummoxed. And there didn’t seem to be a thing he could do about it.

As for what that meant for the future—who knew?

For now, he was going to quash his misgivings, pay the lady a visit—and worry about tomorrow when the new day dawned.

“Eve! I didn’t think you’d still be here.” Meg emerged from the showers in the locker room, running her fingers through her still-damp hair.

Eve slid her phone into her gym bag. “I didn’t plan to be. I got caught up checking messages.”

“I hear you—but I’m glad I have a chance to say thanks again for carving out an hour to introduce me to spinning.”

“I’m happy the session worked with your schedule.” Eve slung her gym bag over her shoulder and appraised the other woman. “Don’t be surprised if you’re sore tomorrow.”

“I followed your advice and paced myself—but I won’t mind a few sore muscles. It was invigorating to get real exercise.”

Eve fished out her keys. “I hope the showers here weren’t too bad. It’s a challenge for the staff to keep up with the turnover. That’s why I always wait until I get home to clean up.”

“They were fine. I have to grocery shop, and I didn’t want to run off the other customers.” She waved her hand in front of her face and laughed.

Eve chuckled too—but it was doubtful that errand was Meg’s prime motive for showering at the fitness club. Despite the fact he carved out a bowling night for himself, from all the comments Meg had dropped about her husband, he didn’t approve of her having a life separate from him. It was possible she didn’t want any indications in the house that she’d met a friend for an unapproved activity—like evidence of an oddly timed shower.

What a way to live.

Meg deserved better.

But until her high school acquaintance realized that for herself, the status quo would continue.