He sank into the recliner and let his head fall against the cushion. What was Kate thinking right now? Would she expect an apology when she returned?

Well, she wouldn’t get it. He wasn’t sorry, even if she had been thinking about her idiot ex-fiancé while he kissed her.

All I did was lay my feelings out, God. I got nothing to be ashamed of, right?

So why was his gut strung tighter than a bowline knot?

By the time Kate returned, the house was empty. Lucas’s truck was gone, which meant he must’ve gone back to his shop. Relieved, but dreading the inevitable confrontation, Kate started dinner.

Her walk had helped clear her head. Obviously Lucas had feelings for her, and Kate admitted she’d grown fond of him as well.

Fond? You were all over him, girl.

She emptied a package of ground beef into the skillet, threw away the Styrofoam platter, and washed her hands. Okay, so maybe she had feelings for him. She had to remember the advice she dispensed in her book. “Once you realize a man is not well suited to you, it’s imperative to end the relationship before you become emotionally invested.”

Well, she couldn’t end the marriage, but she could put the relationship back on track. They were friends. No—roommates. That was all. The sooner Lucas realized it, the sooner they could put this awkwardness behind them.

Bo sat by the back door and turned his big head toward her. She let him out and kept an eye on him through the window while she cooked. The smell of dinner soon drew him back.

The taco filling was hot and bubbly by the time she heard the front door open and click closed. Kate lowered the heat to a simmer and stirred the beef mixture as it sizzled. Would Lucas join her or would he grab a shower? She hated this indecision, this awkwardness. She didn’t like walking on eggshells in her own home. She wanted to return to the way things were before.

When Lucas entered the kitchen, Kate gave the beef one last stir and turned. They might as well put this behind them.

Lucas removed a can of Coke from the fridge and popped the tab. He wouldn’t even look at her. She wondered what he was thinking, what he was feeling. His expression revealed nothing.

“About earlier,” Kate started, then wondered what to say next. Why hadn’t she planned something? Think!

Lucas took a drink, then shook his head, a barely perceptible movement. “Not necessary.”

He moved closer, and Kate pressed her back against the oven. The metal handle dug into her back. But Lucas reached into the cabinet instead. Shaken, Kate turned.

Lucas removed two plates and shut the cabinet door. “It was a mistake,” he said as he stepped away.

Kate heard him setting the plates on the table. A mistake?