She blamed the cry fest on hormones. The tears leaked between her fingers and spotted the front of her shirt. In the spacious yard surrounded by a tall privacy fence, she faced the enormity of what she had done. There was no one to see her break down...no one to witness the moment she hit bottom.
Later, she wasn’t sure how long she’d been kneeling there in the grass. She only knew that her knees were sore and her skin covered in gooseflesh when a very familiar voice said her name.
“Simone?”
Eight
Hutch hadn’t meant to come. He’d had a hell of a long day. He was exhausted, and he needed seven or eight straight hours of uninterrupted sleep.
Despite all that, here he was at Simone’s house. Again.
He crouched beside her in the grass, touching her shoulder briefly. “What’s wrong, Simone? Are you hurt?” Her hair shielded her expression.
She jumped to her feet and backed away from him, rubbing the tears from her face with two hands. Her smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Hormones,” she said lightly. “You should know all about that. Crazy pregnant women.”
After last night, he’d wondered if Simone might want more from him than medical advice. Apparently not.
He took a moment to absorb the breath-stealing realization that she was not happy to see him. Her response was painful and unexpected. It was just as well. Hadn’t he come tonight for the express purpose of telling her there was nothing between them? He wasn’t prepared to risk his heart a third time. He had an important new job and little opportunity for a social life, much less a love affair.
“Barb told me you’re improving slightly,” he said.
“Yes. Especially in the evenings. Cecelia brought me lasagna. I managed some of that. And bread.”
“Good.” Fourteen hours ago they had been naked together in her bed. Now she could barely look at him. “I won’t stay tonight,” he said. It was a statement, but it came out sounding like a question. Would she ask him to change his mind?
“I know,” she said, her gaze wary. “No need.”
He cursed beneath his breath. She was far too pale. “Simone, I—”
She held up her hand. “I think we both know what last night was,” she said. “Curiosity. Echoes of the past. Let’s not beat ourselves up over it. Even if you wanted a repeat, I would have to say no. I need to start planning for my new family. If I hang around with you, the temptation will always be there to lean on you for help. I can’t afford to do that.”
“Everybody needs a hand at times.”
“You know what I mean.”
He did. All too well. She was putting up walls. Shutting him out.
He should be relieved. “If you go back to work, please pace yourself. Otherwise, you’ll wind up in the same situation as before.”
“I understand. You can trust me, Hutch. I want these babies to be safe and healthy. I won’t be stupid, I promise.”
He nodded. “I should go.”
“One more thing.” She seemed to hesitate, as if searching for the right words. “I appreciate all you’ve done for me, Hutch. Later on, when I’m stronger, I’d like to make dinner for you. No strings attached,” she said quickly. “Just friends.”
“Okay. But you know it’s not necessary.”
“I want to.”
“Just let me know.” For some reason, he couldn’t get his feet to move. “You still have my card? My phone number?” There was so much they weren’t saying.
“I do.” She seemed lonely and forlorn.
“Good luck, Simone.”
“Thank you.”
* * *