“I saw your pictures.” He grinned. “Even though I was in town, I was most certain the reports of the two of you on a Caribbean Island were exaggerated.”

It was my turn to look out the window; beyond the darkness was the settled snow globe. “I’m pretty sure this isn’t the Caribbean.”

“And I’m not him.”

“You’re not.” Inhaling, I let out a long sigh. “I liked Ashland when I stayed there, but I don’t want to go into town and have anyone recognize me.”

“Their opinions don’t count.”

“I’m not ready.”

“You could turn in your rental car. I have more than a few vehicles here safer than that car, ones you may drive if you want to go somewhere.”

“I have a car at home.” I looked up at him. “I rented one for this interview in hopes of making it more difficult to be followed.” I sighed. “Have you ever felt like you don’t belong anywhere, like you’re lost?”

“You’re not lost, Julia. You’re home. If you don’t want to go back to Chicago to pack your belongings, I’ll have your things shipped here. You decide what will work best for you. No one else matters.”

A yawn snuck up on me.

“You’re tired.”

I nodded.

Van stood and took my hand, helping me stand. “I have a few things I need to arrange. I can let you sleep undisturbed or...” A small smile curled his lips. “...I can come back and cuddle.”

That made me smile too. “You just agreed to cuddle.”

“I did.”

“I am tired. There’s been a lot happening.” I lifted my brow as my eyes widened. “And a lot of sex.”

“You can always say no.”

“I don’t want to say no. I feel like you’ve opened up a part of life that until recently I’d only heard about, a secret society where sex isn’t merely an obligation but something that’s enjoyed and anticipated. When Skylar and I would...” I paused and shook my head. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t talk about him so much. You don’t talk about other women.”

“You were engaged up until a week ago. It’s been a long time since there was anyone in my life worth discussing.”

The wedding picture in Van’s office came back to me.

Asking him again if he was married was on the tip of my tongue.

Then again, I wasn’t certain that at the moment I was prepared for the answer or the discussion that could ensue. “Skylar isn’t worth discussing either,” I said instead of voicing my question. “That’s the point. Everything between the two of us since we were young felt like we did it because we should. You know how that first kiss is supposed to be special and make butterflies fly around your stomach?”