Searching for Someday

hold himself in a muscle lock, as if afraid to even move for fear of grabbing her. She fisted her hands and prayed for strength. Jumping into his arms and pulling off his clothes was a bad idea. She was tired, worn out, and emotionally vulnerable. If she stood strong, she’d get past this hurdle and leave him behind.

“Kate—”

“I better get going, it’s really late. Thanks for doing this for me, I really appreciate it.”

“Did you eat?”

“Yes, just came from dinner.”

“You look exhausted. Look, let me make you a cup of coffee before you go. It’ll perk you up a bit for the drive. Sit down.”

“I don’t think—”

“Please.”

Her feet throbbed and her eyes itched. Coffee would probably be good. A few more minutes wouldn’t hurt. She nodded. “Thanks.”

He disappeared into the kitchen. “Why don’t you try out the recliner?” he called out. “The remote’s on the table.”

A merry squeak of agreement cut through the air.

She shook her head and eased onto the chair. The supple leather cradled her rear, and it was already warm. She cranked up the heat a digit more, reclined the seat back, and swallowed a moan. Best. Chair. Ever. With her feet up, the blood flowed back into her toes. “This thing should be illegal.” His laugh echoed. The scent of freshly ground beans drifted from the kitchen. “Is this where you make the magic happen for your clients?”

“Nah, that’s where I recover.”

“What made you decide to go into divorce law? Were your parents divorced?”

He materialized beside her with a mug. She went to get up, but he stopped her. “No, stay and relax.” She took the cup and sipped the strong, hearty brew. Heaven. “My parents died in a car crash, so no, I can’t claim a set of emotionally abusive parents. I just kept seeing the effects of what broken relationships did, even before marriage. Too many times one person gets screwed. I wanted to fight and be the voice for him. Or her.”

Fascinated, she probed his gaze. Behind that charming, seductive exterior beat the heart of a complicated man. She’d gotten glimpses of it the night they spent together, but Kate bet there was a world more to discover. A pang hit her when she realized she