“What’s up?” he asked, taking her coat, then leading her into the formal living room. It was away from Judy’s room, so their talking wouldn’t disturb her. Only after he sat across from her on the sofa did he register what she was wearing.

The fitted black dress clung to every curve, emphasizing the best parts of her body, and she had on makeup. This was not daytime Reggie who was always beautiful, but casually dressed. She’d been out somewhere. Possibly to a party, or maybe on a date.

The idea of the latter made him want to interrogate her, but he knew he had no right. He’d made it clear he wasn’t interested in any kind of relationship with her or anyone, so he couldn’t complain if she went out with someone else. But telling himself that didn’t ease the sudden tightness in his chest or the need to demand answers.

She sat on the edge of the cushion.

“I had dinner with Jake,” she said bluntly, her gaze meeting his. “Up at the resort.”

The tightness became a band that made it impossible to breathe. Jealousy and anger battled for dominance, although he knew neither was appropriate.

“I wanted to tell you myself because I knew you’d probably hear about it from someone else.” Her mouth curved in a half smile. “I’m not saying that I’m so interesting that everyone is dying to talk about my life, but Jake is certainly news, and we were engaged.”

She raised one shoulder. “I went out with him because I was curious. Were any of the old feelings still alive?”

“Are they?”

He told himself the answer didn’t matter, that Reggie wasn’t for him because being with her would require a level of trust he no longer possessed, but he still didn’t breathe until she responded.

“No.” She shook her head. “They’re not, which makes me sad. I was going to marry him. Shouldn’t there still be something? Which isn’t what I came to talk about.”

Too bad, because he could talk about how much she wasn’t interested in Jake all day.

“My point is,” she continued, “I wanted you to hear it from me. I know we’re not dating, but there’s still something going on, and I didn’t want you thinking I was sneaking around behind your back.”

She paused, her gaze locking with his. “You’re wrong to ignore what’s happening between us. You say you won’t get involved because you have to protect Harrison, but I think that’s just an excuse. You’ve been burned enough times that you’re not willing to risk your heart, but to admit that makes you uncomfortable. You’ve come up with a convenient excuse so that you never have to put anything on the line.”