He’d shown up early, which had given him plenty of time to think of the best way to beg her forgiveness for being the biggest ass this side of Texas. Christ, how many times must he put his foot in his mouth with her before he finally learned his lesson? When Lucy showed up, he noticed how tired she looked, and it worried him. Reilly immediately took her in his arms. “I’m sorry, sweetheart,” he said, his stomach in knots. “I didn’t mean what I said earlier.” “I don’t know what you want from me.” God, even her voice sounded raw. Reilly pulled back enough to see her face. Her cheeks were blotchy, and her eyes were red. She looked as bad as he felt. “Won’t you talk to me, Lucy?” “I don’t want to be hurt again,” she blurted out, her voice so soft he nearly didn’t hear. “I can’t, Reilly.” His anger overrode his fear. “I care about you. Can’t you see that?” She didn’t protest, didn’t come back with any smartass remarks. Just stood lifelessly in his arms.
