“All this time I’ve been blaming her for working her wiles on Joe and destroying the family we used to have.”
“And now?” Rina asked, leading but wanting him to confide on his own.
“I accepted something I probably knew all along but wasn’t ready to face.”
Rina squeezed his hand tighter. “Which is?”
“Corinne’s not the outsider, I am.”
She had a family she’d never feel left out of. Colin didn’t, and his words hit Rina hard, helping her to understand him even more. Still, maybe his vision was distorted, coming from the perspective of the little boy who’d lost his parents and then felt as if he’d had no one.
“I know that’s your perception and I’ve never met Joe, but my heart tells me he wouldn’t agree. The man took you into his home. He adopted you. That says something about his feelings for you. Did you talk to him today?”
“I didn’t want to be in a place I didn’t belong, so I took off.”
“So what brought you back here now?”
He rolled his head to the side, meeting her gaze. “You’re the only one I trust enough to let in.” He pointed to his chest. “Here.” He tapped the area over his heart.
A lump rose to her throat as he reached out and touched her cheek.
“Am I forgiven?”
“There never was anything to forgive.”
He released a long breath and she felt as if she’d given him a gift.
Still, she sensed he wasn’t finished, that he had more to reveal. “What else did you realize today?” she asked.
“Are you a mind reader?” he asked, laughing.
“No, but I guess I am coming to know you.”
Gratitude flickered in his gaze. “Joe raised me as his son. From plain old discipline to learning journalism at his knee, he didn’t treat me any differently than if he’d had a kid of his own.”
“That says so much about his character. He’s obviously a good man.”
“I know. That’s what makes this so hard to reconcile. When Joe got sick, who did he give power of attorney? Who did he trust with his biggest, most beloved asset? With the asset he taught me to love and respect? Not his son, but his wife of two years.”
She heard the betrayal in Colin’s voice. She felt his pain in her heart. Her words wouldn’t offer any explanation or ease his hurt, but she instinctively knew exactly what he needed. Something she could provide.
Turning toward him, she held out her arms, waiting as he came forward, his lips sealing hard and fast against hers.
Rina’s lips devoured Colin’s with abandon, not holding back. His blood heated and blazed, desire threatening to rampage out of control.
“Let’s take this into the bedroom,” he suggested, breaking the kiss.
He had no doubt she’d agree. Her body spoke for her, telling him she wanted him as much as he wanted her. But more importantly, she’d listened and understood, offering the comfort he needed without him having to ask.
“Sounds like a good plan,” she said, her brown eyes glittering bright with desire.
Rising from the couch, he picked her up and swept her into his arms. “You should know I didn’t come back here expecting this.”
She laughed and shook her head before running a finger down his cheek. “Liar.”
Caught, he merely grinned. “Okay, let’s say I needed you and leave it at that.”
“That’s more like the silver-tongued devil you usually are.”