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the dim light from the windows. “It’s hard for me to talk about her,” he said after a minute. “I’m not used to sharing things, personal things, with anyone. But that’s no excuse for snapping at you the way I did. I’m sorry.”

      “It’s okay,” she managed. “I won’t do it again.” She forced a smile, moved away from him and went inside. She called to her father before she made an excuse and went up to her room. She managed to hold the tears back until then.

      * * *

      WHEN SHE GOT up the next morning, after a sleepless night, her face showed the ravages she couldn’t camouflage even with makeup.

      She went downstairs and hesitated at the dining room door. Nobody was up except Blair. He was sitting at the table, dressed in gray slacks and a yellow knit designer shirt, sipping black coffee.

      He looked up when he heard her. His own face looked worn, as well.

      “Good morning,” he said.

      “Good morning,” she replied. “Is Edna up?”

      He shook his head. “I made coffee.”

      “Thanks.” She went into the kitchen and fetched a cup from the cupboard. She was pouring herself a cup of coffee when she felt the warmth of his big body behind her. His hands went to her waist and tightened. She felt his breath at the back of her head.

      “You didn’t sleep, did you?” he asked deeply.

      She swallowed. “I said stupid things...”

      He turned her around to face him. He didn’t let go of her waist. “So did I,” he said curtly. “Stupid, hurtful things. I can’t leave like this. Not with you hating me.”

      “I don’t...hate you,” she managed.

      He smoothed back her long blond hair, his black eyes intent on hers. “It’s hard for me to share things,” he began. “I keep it all inside. I hate my marriage. I hate remembering it.”

      “I know. It was my fault. I should never have brought it up.”

      He drew in a long breath. His eyes had dark circles beneath them. He looked so tired. She reached up impulsively and smoothed the frown between his eyes. “Don’t brood so much,” she said softly, her eyes adoring him. “Life is sweet. Every day is a miracle. You have to look ahead, not back, Blair.”

      One big thumb smoothed over her soft mouth. His eyes were oddly intent on it. “So they say,” he replied quietly.

      “I’m going to apply for that job at your mining company,” she said with a pert grin. “There. How’s that for getting out of the house?”

      The frown came back. “Niki, that’s a field geology position. The pollen...”

      “No, not that one,” she corrected. “The clerk’s position. You know, filing and stuff in an office.”

      “You’re overqualified for it.”

      She shrugged. “Hey, it’s a job, right?” she teased.

      He drew in a breath. “It isn’t a clerk’s position. It’s a personal assistant position, in the vice president’s office. He hasn’t started interviewing for it. If you want the job, it’s yours.”

      “That wouldn’t be fair...”

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