Falling: A Sexy Alpha Romance Collection

Christmas was hard on my own. I didn’t even make my annual trek to Melbourne to see my family. They protested but not for long. Avery asked me to come to her family lunch but I said no. I didn’t want to inflict my sadness on anyone. She spent Boxing Day with me and we watched romantic comedies, drank vodka and consumed way too much cheese, dips and crackers. It was my idea of the perfect day. She wasn’t convinced watching romantic comedies was what I needed but I assured her I wanted the hope they give me.

It’s been five weeks since Luke and I broke up. Six weeks since I’ve been trying to prove Jolene’s innocence. Neither situation sits right with me and while I know the breakup needs time to get over, I’m beginning to wonder if I’ll ever get to the bottom of Jolene’s case. I’m pretty sure she’s given up again, but I haven’t. I’m determined that losing Luke won’t be for nothing. That would kill me more than losing him has.

I phone Marion the next night after I finish work. She told me to call if I ever wanted to discuss Jolene and I figure it couldn’t hurt to get her opinion on my thoughts.

“Callie, how are you?”

“I’m good but I wondered if you might have a few minutes to spare so we could discuss Jolene Hardy’s murder case.”

“Sure. How are you going with it?”

“Not so great. I’m chasing a few leads up but I wanted to ask you if you ever considered a possible scenario of Jolene being set up by her sister for this murder? Or anyone else for that matter.”

“I did. And I do believe the sister could have done it. She had no alibi and just as much reason to want her mother dead. I always figured that whoever did it had to have known the mother to gain access to the motel room without a scene being made.”

“Yes, that’s what I’ve come up with too. I know the box of evidence that was found wasn’t around when you put this file together, but this box is perplexing. It almost seems too convenient, you know? And it really makes me look even closer at Glenda because, in my opinion, it had to have been buried by someone close to the family. You’d think their dog would have barked if a stranger had entered the yard to bury it.”

“That’s true. I haven’t ever given the box much thought but you make a lot of sens—” She’s cut off by someone near her and when she comes back she’s apologetic, “—shoot, sorry, Callie, I have to go. But if you want to talk some more I’m always here. Maybe send me a text and we can set up a time.”

“Thanks, Marion. I might take you up on that offer if I get stuck again.”

We end the call and I take a deep breath as I go over the conversation. We didn’t cover a lot but she at least confirmed my suspicion of Glenda wasn’t unwarranted.

My phone rings and I check caller ID.

Avery.

“Hey, babe, what’s up?”

“I’m so sorry to bug you, but I’m at work and I’m not feeling well. I’ve been vomiting and I’ve got the worst tummy cramps. It’s really busy here so Luke can’t drive me home and I don’t want to get a taxi in case I vomit in it. Would you be able to pick me up and take me home?”

“Absolutely. I’ll be there soon.”

It’s not until I’m halfway there that I realise I’m going to have to see Luke.

His eyes meet mine almost the minute I step inside Elixir.

Oh dear, Lord.

Will the man ever not stir desire in me?

I can’t see Avery, which means I’m going to have to talk to Luke. This could get messy. I’m suddenly tempted to turn and run and let my best friend deal with vomit in a taxi. Because hearing Luke’s voice and seeing him up close is going to splinter my heart all over again.

“Callie,” he says when I reach the bar. I suck in a breath at the pain I see in his eyes.

“Hi, Luke,” I say softly.

We stare at each other in silence for what feels like minutes but probably isn’t. I feel like an awkward schoolgirl, unsure of what to say or do.

Finally, he speaks. “Avery’s in the office. I’ll let her know you’re here.” He leaves me, and I stare after him, stunned.

That’s all he has to say to me?

After everything we were to each other?

Oh, hell no.

Uh, uh, buddy.