Three Little Words (Fool's Gold #12)(70)

“You’ve survived four kids so far. I’m pretty sure you’re going to make it.”

Her sister winced. “I’m sorry. That was insensitive.”

It took Isabel a second to realize what she meant. “My relationship with Eric was doomed from the start. The mistake was not recognizing the problem to begin with.” She paused, then turned so she was facing Maeve. “I’m going to tell you something, but first you have to promise not to tell Mom and Dad. I don’t want them to have to deal with this until they’re home.”

Maeve’s blue eyes widened as she nodded. “Sure.”

Isabel turned back to the sandwich. “Eric was g*y.”

After her sister was done sputtering and calling him names, Isabel explained what had happened.

“I don’t believe he didn’t know,” Maeve fumed. “He had to have had an inkling. That doesn’t just happen. It’s not a lightning strike. I can’t believe he betrayed you like that.”

“I’m getting over it.”

“With Ford?”

Isabel finished with the sandwich and carefully sliced it in two, then carried the plate over to the table. “I guess it’s too late to ask if you’re okay with that,” she said quietly.

Maeve reached for the food. With her other hand, she waved the comment away. “Oh, please. We were done over a decade ago. Have at him.”

Isabel put the supplies back in the refrigerator, then joined her sister at the table. “He’s a pretty great guy.”

“I remember.” Maeve grinned. “Don’t tell him but the sex wasn’t all that. I wasn’t his first time, but he was mine and all I remember thinking is ‘I thought it would take longer than this.’”

Isabel grinned. “We’re not really dating.”

Maeve finished chewing and swallowed. “What? Sure you are. I’ve seen you two together. You are definitely dating.”

“We’re fake-dating.” She explained about Denise and how Ford had begged.

“Not that I don’t approve of a man begging,” her sister began, “but, Isabel, be careful. I’ve seen the way you look at him, and you’re not in a fake relationship.”

“That’s what I’ve been thinking, too. I didn’t want to fall for him, but he’s so funny and easy to be with. He’s thoughtful in little ways that are so unexpected.”

“All perfect if this was a regular relationship, but trouble when it’s not. Are you sure you’re leaving? Maybe Ford is worth sticking around for.”

“I’m not changing my plans for him,” Isabel said firmly. In part because she really did want to open a business with Sonia, but also because she had a feeling Ford meant what he said. That he wasn’t interested in love. Which meant sticking around would only lead to heartache.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

“YOU CAN’T AVOID my mother forever,” Kent said.

Consuelo studied the display in the window of Morgan’s Books. “I can and I will.”

Kent grabbed her hand and gently twisted it behind her back, bringing her up against him. She had to tilt her head to continue to stare into his eyes.

She could have broken the hold a dozen different ways, could have had him in any number of holds that would cut off air or blood flow. She wondered if the knowledge of how to do that would ever fade. If she would ever be like the other women who walked through town on this perfect fall day. Or if she would always feel different.

“She’s interested in the woman I’m seeing,” he said.

“Then I can send her regular email updates.”

He smiled.

People smiled all the time, she thought, unable to brace herself for the kick in the gut she always felt when he did that. Kent’s smile was special. It made her feel as if she were the center of a very amazing universe. One where only good things happened.

She knew the folly of believing that, but she couldn’t protect herself. Not where he was concerned. If only her heart were at stake, she would probably be fine. But when she was around him, she felt as if he held her entire being in the palm of his hand. How could she trust him not to crush her into dust?

“Oh, look,” she said brightly, pointing. “Your sister-in-law has a new book out. Let’s go buy it.”

“If you’d like.” He bent down and lightly kissed her mouth, then guided her into the store.

Five minutes later, she had a bag with Liz Sutton’s latest murder mystery. Kent had insisted on paying, which was just like him.

“You should consider an eReader,” he said when they were back on the sidewalk.

“I like books.” Someone passing by said hello, and she paused to return the greeting. “This town is so strange. People I’ve never met before talk to me like they know me. But the weirdest part is I’m starting to like it.”

“But do you like me?”

He was joking. At least, she thought he was. She glanced at him and saw questions in his eyes. They came to a stop again, this time by a bench. Kent pulled her onto the wooden seat.

“Of course,” she said. “Why would you ask?”

“You’re elusive.”

“I’m completely open.” She pressed her lips together, realizing that was far from the truth. “I mean to be.”