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This time Grant’s insides churned with dread rather than anticipation It would be Zoe He had no doubt When her truck came into view he just stood there, like a man ready to face his executioner Only he wasn’t ready

Zoe stopped the truck three feet frolanced briefly at the car, and then at hied state “What happened?”

“Fire alarm”

Carlene chose that moment to make her appearance in the open doorway Mascara ran down her face like an athlete’s black line gone aainst her skull, and she was glaring at him as if he had set off the alars, he couldn’t blame her

A choked excla away fro at him He turned to face Zoe

“I didn’t realize that you had company” Her even tone belied the stricken expression in her eyes “I came by to tell you Tyler will be out to pick up the parrot soood cae in their relationship wasn’t good? He wouldn’t accept that “It’s not what it looks like I didn’t know she was co She turned to leave and he chased after her, grabbing her ar to see you when she showed up”

He turned back to Carlene and demanded, “Tell her”

Carlene swiped at her wet hair “So she’s the one, huh?”

Zoe tried to yank her arm away “No”

He blew out a frustrated breath and wouldn’t let go “Yes”

Carlene’s gaze ht on a whim I felt bad about the way I left last time, and I didn’t realize the two of you had become an item If it will make you feel any better, he made it clear from the start he wasn’t interested I didn’t mean to hurt anyone I’m sorry”

Soainst his restraining hold He let go

She turned and started walking toward her truck again His insides froze “Zoe?”