“That’s right. He’s got this idea in his head. You know what happened to Cassandra, right? I figure someone’s told you by now.”

“I know they were involved. I know she died on one of Gage’s expeditions, if that’s what you mean.”

“Talk to him about it. Maybe you can make him see it’s no good to keep living in the past.”

“No.”

“Come on, Abby. You said you loved him.”

She just shook her head.

“If you won’t do it for you, do it for Gage. He needs you, Abby.”

She started to say no—she wouldn’t humiliate herself that way. She felt Edge’s hand cover hers where it rested on the table.

“You’re a risk-taker, Abby,” he said. “You both are. Talk to him. Take the risk. Tell him what you think.”

Abby wiped away another unwanted tear. “I’ll give it some thought.” It was the best she could do.

Edge downed his soda and set the glass back on the table. Abby walked him to the door.

Edge glanced around. “Your place looks as dismal as Gage’s. With any luck, my hard-headed brother will figure things out before it’s too late.”

For hours after Edge left, Abby mulled over his words. Edge was right about one thing. She was a risk-taker, and so was Gage. It was one more thing they had in common.

By six o’clock, she had made a decision. Abby went in and showered, brushed out her hair, put on a pretty yellow dress and a pair of open-toed high heels. Khaki cargo pants and a T-shirt might have made her point better, but she was only willing to go so far.

Either Gage loved her enough to take a chance on them, or he didn’t.

It was the end of May, and the temperature had reached the seventies. The sky was sunny, with just a few fluffy clouds. Abby drove her little Fiat over to Gage’s apartment and pulled into a space near the rear alley entrance.

She almost turned around when it occurred to her he might not be alone. She thought of Gage’s women friends and his sexual virility. How long would he go without a woman? Unease slid through her. She’d look like a fool if he was with another woman.

Maybe he isn’t Even home, she told herself, the notion giving her a moment’s relief. She pushed the buzzer and waited.

“Who is it?” Gage snapped. Definitely not in a good mood.

“It’s Abby. I was hoping I could talk to you for a minute. That is . . . if . . . if you aren’t busy.” Oh, God, did she sound pathetic? That was not part of her plan.

Gage hit the release, and the door unlocked. Abby walked into the leafy treed entry and climbed the iron stairs. Gage pulled open the door before she reached it.