The Naked Truth (The Honeybrook Hamdens)

Damn, had Luke been salty about that. Not that Julie cared. Back then, Julie hadn't given a damn about anything or anyone if it got in the way of what she wanted. That was what made her so cool.

That was what made her Julie.

He wondered briefly if she was still like that. If she still had the same easy, too-big smile. If her front tooth was still the slightest bit crooked. If she still kept her hair one shade darker than Amy's light blond waves.

Probably not. She'd likely changed just as much as he had. Hell, after she'd packed up and headed out of town, he'd hardly heard anything about her. Luke had been too consumed with finishing this place to mention her, and knowing Julie, she wasn't too eager to pick up the phone and fill everyone in on her life.

Maybe that was better, though.

If he'd kept track of her, he might not have been able to move on. It might have ruined his relationship with Luke. Their business, this bar, might never have happened.

And then where would he be?

In Julie Hamden's bed...

He shoved the thought away.

Not likely.

No, he would have ruined two Hamden relationships instead of one. It would have been a horrible mistake. And, at the root of it, that's why he'd done what he had. He'd made a mistake that night, but it had been almost ten years ago now. Julie would have moved on the way he had.

She'd probably had other lovers, other plans...

His gut twisted at the thought, but he moved

from the bar, squaring his shoulders as he made his way to the basement door.

If he saw Julie tonight--and he probably wouldn't--he'd treat her the way he was always supposed to. Like a long lost little sister. Like an old friend he hadn't seen in a long, long time.

With any luck, Julie would have matured enough by now to follow his lead. After all, she'd been mature enough not to let Luke in on their little secret over all these years.

If he was here tonight, there was no way she'd let it all out now.

Yes, he was safe from the truth.

But whether he was safe from her fury...

He cringed.

That was yet to be determined.

Chapter Three

Eleven Years Ago

Amy set the table like it was an Olympic sport. Every dish had a flourish, every piece of cutlery was placed with finesse, and when Luke came stomping in and announced she’d need to drag in another seat for the table, she sneered at him like he’d done her a serious injustice.

Of course, Julie watched the whole thing from afar. She’d been sitting by the window, doing her homework and watching Chase and Luke play catch outside while spying on Amy from the living room.

“Did you ask mom?” Amy asked, but her mother’s voice echoed back just as quickly.

“There’s always enough for Chase.”

“Always.” Amy rolled her eyes and trotted back into the kitchen, but Luke ignored her and headed for the place where Julie sat watching the show.

“You know what’s for dinner?”

“Pork chops. Chase’s favorite.”