“I want Tiffany to get the closure she needs. Beyond that, I don’t hope for much of anything anymore.”

“It don’t have to be that way, Francine. Ya got lots of years left to live yet. No reason they can’t be happy years.”

“Is that so?”

He nodded and had to fight back the urge to kiss her a second time.

“Will you come and see me again, Ned?”

“I’ll come see ya.”

She released a long sigh of what sounded like relief. “Good.”

Chapter 17

Luke went back to work after two unscheduled days off expecting some major ribbing from the guys at the marina. He had no doubt they all knew what he’d been doing and who he’d been doing it with. Thinking about the time with Syd made him feel giddy and goofy and hopeful. So very hopeful.

They’d spent the entire afternoon and evening in bed and had even eaten dinner in bed. He was stiff and sore and achy from what he’d demanded of his body, and he could only imagine how she would feel when she finally stirred. She’d been out cold when he left for work.

It had become clear to him during the most intense sexual marathon of his life that he’d never get enough of her. No matter how many times he had her, he only wanted her more afterward, and he suspected the same was true for her. After the most amazing night of his life, Luke felt like they’d finally reached a point where he could relax a bit. Even though they’d yet to say the words, he was certain she loved him as much as he loved her. What she planned to do about him—and them—was still up in the air, but he was growing more confident that her future would include him.

Arriving at the marina, he steeled himself for a thorough grilling from Big Mac and the guys but was surprised to find everyone’s attention focused on Ned. Even though he was relieved to escape their scrutiny, he couldn’t imagine what Ned, of all people, had done to deserve the third degree.

“I saw you with her,” Big Mac was saying as Luke joined them at the picnic table outside the restaurant where they had coffee and sugar donuts every morning.

“I don’t know what ya think ya saw, but it might be time for new glasses,” Ned fired back.

Mac snorted at the banter between his father and Ned, rolling his eyes at Luke. “Apparently, someone at this table had a hot date last night, but he’s not talking,” Mac said.

Luke’s mouth fell open in shock. Ned? Had a date?

Ned shrugged. “Wadn’t me.”

“I gotta get Grant down here,” Big Mac said, exasperated. “He saw you, too.”