ep breath and

he moon if I asked. But this . . . This I couldn’t ask you for. And right now I need something to fill the void. There’s a hole in my soul, Carson. One that I may never fill again. But right now I’d take even a bandage. Temporary solace, if you will. I just wanted you to know. I’ll be okay. I’m not going into a dangerous situation. I’ve made certain that I’ll be safe. And as painful as it is for me to say

o much. You gave me the world. The problem is when you left, you took my world with you. And I want

said next was dumb. But she had to get it off her c

iveness. But I was so angry with you for so long for leaving me. I was so selfish. I’ve spent thr

to glide across the sun-wa

Carson. Wherever you are, I hope you’re at peace and I hope

en them until she was certain she could return to the car

y. The wind picked up and the sun broke further through the clouds, shining down on her face. She turned her face upward, soaking in the warmth as

e was careful to keep herself from showing any outward emotion. Because what she would say next she was ce

the wheel and they were driving

y with me. And I have plans for tonight as well,” s

ffort to hide his concern. He reached

ng on with

and his eyes were bor

It’s time I stop with the grieving widow act every year on the same

stealing her breath. But it had to be said. To be acknowled

his deep brown eyes, but it was gone s

t me to come over after you

r me to stand on my own two feet. I’m sure it has to come as a relief to you that you don’t have t

s. “You’re not a burden, damn it. Carson was my best

a car behind them honked angrily when Dash did

ve done for me. But it’s time, Dash. I have t

ed him? She’d only been honest, and she’d sincerely thought he would be glad that he no longer had to trea

s did Dash. He walked her to the door and she went

you think you no longer need me doesn’t mean I’m goi

ode back down the sidewalk, leaving he

s silver Mercedes coupe. The car had been a gift to Kylie from Carson on her twenty-first birthday, just

sharpened her poker skills enough that she’d become a formidable opponent at the tables. Carson had always chuckled when her winnings topped his

and all the wonderful food on the menu. She’d been delighted when one had opened in

rson had always teased her about her lack of punctuality, and she

y of Carson’s death was as hard for her as it was for Joss because Carson was her only family. Joss had made the effort to

, but they brightened when she saw J

ou?” Kylie

led away with a smile. “I

o Chessy and pull

today?” Chessy

ll talk. I’m starving,”

over the last three years but to her closest friends as well. But no more. Today . . . Well, today was the first

ctically on top of one another. Even if her conversation was casual, she hated to be

nt,” Chessy mused, as t

with all the wonderful selections on the huge menu, she usually got the same exact thing

t,” Joss said

widened. “Wha

ed. It’s what’s going to

n want to hear th

ed to take their orders. Only after he’d departed

ersonal question, but you’ve talked about it before and if it’s too personal, feel free to tell

for a brief moment before she shook it away. But the look hadn’t gon

hessy said lightly, though the lightn

out later what was behin

d out of bed. I just wanted to know . . . I mean this sounds stupid because of course you’re happy. An

her sister-in-law. Not just a sister-in-law but her best friend. Kylie and Chessy were her two best friends in the world. She

Chessy asked in a puzzled vo

yes. She reached for Kylie’s hand because she

. And it’s the one thing I knew Carson couldn’t, wouldn’t give me. I loved him too much to ever demand it of him. We spoke of it once. Early in our relationship. Before I knew about his childhood. He was always so afraid he’d tu

ing at the corners of her eyes. Joss tightened her hold on Ky

ow?” Chessy asked,

Joss

y forming on her lips, but Joss silenc

ted, but while I was with Carson it wasn’t so aching. I wasn’t lonely. He provided me what I needed, even if a tiny part of me always wanted and needed more. I know that sounds terrible. I loved

eyes. She wiped hastily at her cheeks, not wanting to make a scene in

ne to fill that void that Carson left behind. It’s time fo

place?” Chessy

lled The

e. Tate is friends with the owner, Damon Roche. Damon is married and has a ch

d my membership. He was very kind to me. He want

What if you hook up with the wrong man? You know what kind of monsters exist out there. God knows