He couldn’t risk upsetting her by not staying over, so he’d come up with a lie. He’d never been one to do that sort of thing, but it was for her own sake. “Nina just called and said the furnace is acting up again, so I’m going to go take a look.” “Okay, are you coming back because I rented a DVD and have some popcorn?” Cole purposely looked at his watch. “I’ll see what time it is once I get the problem fixed.” She nodded. She looked hurt. She should be. He was a coward of the worst kind. He walked over and kissed her. “Thanks for playing Santa,” she said. Shit, he couldn’t look at her or he’d break down. “Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow.” He turned and fled, hating himself more with each step he took. Cole didn’t look back, but got in the car and turned the key in the ignition. **** He was breaking up with her. No correct that, he had just broken up with her, but he hadn’t said so in so many words. She sat down at the table. All alone again. She’d been foolish enough to get emotionally involved with a man and so soon after the end of her engagement.
