Free If the Ring Fits by Cindy Kirk Page B

turns that left her breathless. “Even if you weren’t, there isn’t another woman I’d rather be with tonight than you.”
    His response took her by surprise. Then she laughed. “You’re so full of it.”
    For a second he looked askance then he chuckled. “And you my dear, are such a skeptic.”
    “Realist.”
    “Skeptic.” His breath tickled her ear and sent a shiverup her spine. “Think about it. When everyone gets together, who is always my date?”
    There was no need for him to explain who “everyone” was—they both knew it was the tight-knit group of friends and family who socialized together on a regular basis.
    “That’s only because you didn’t want any of your girlfriends to think you were getting serious.” Mary Karen slid her fingers through the hair at the nape of his neck. He’d always worn his hair a little longer than her brother’s other friends, but on him it worked. “And you enjoy giving me a hard time.”
    “Wrong.” Travis maneuvered them to the edge of the dance floor where it wasn’t so crowded. “You and I fit. I enjoy your company. We like the same music, find humor in the same jokes. I venture to say there’s no one on this earth who knows me as well as you do.”
    Mary Karen couldn’t dispute his words. A wave of sadness washed over her at the realization of how close they’d grown these past couple of years. She did know him. And it was that intimate knowledge of his aversion to children that confirmed her belief that marriage between them would never work.
    She sighed, wondering why the truth that had led them to split up all those years ago, still held the power to hurt. But it was why, when she discovered she was pregnant, she’d known there would be no happily ever after for her.
    “I heard that,” he said.
    She blinked rapidly, clearing her eyes of unwanted moisture. “Heard what?”
    “The I-know-him-so-well-and-that’s-not-a-good-thing sigh,” he said, his tone teasing.
    Mary Karen simply smiled. Travis didn’t want a wife.He definitely didn’t want children. They could rehash the whys all night and nothing would change.
    “C’mon, the least you can do is deny it.” He dipped her low, gazing into her eyes. “Stroke my ego. Tell me what a wonderful guy I am. Reassure me that any woman would be lucky to have me.”
    There was an undercurrent to his words that she didn’t understand, but she ignored it and fell easily into the teasing mode that epitomized their normal conversation. “You’re okay.”
    “Okay?” He sounded shocked and slightly wounded. “Okay isn’t even average.”
    “We both know there is nothing average about you.” Impulsively she molded her body against his.
    The instantaneous combustion had her pulling back, even as heat seared her veins.
    For a second an answering fire sparked in his eyes then vanished. “I hope my awesome body and bedroom skills aren’t all you like about me.”
    Mary Karen had known Travis for as long as she could remember. He and her brother, David, had been childhood friends. Tonight he seemed different from the bold, brash prankster who’d always been there for her. There was a crack in the confident facade that she couldn’t recall ever seeing before.
    Had her pregnancy done this to him? Was he worried her perception of him had been altered by their time together in Vegas? Surely not. Surely he realized how much he still meant to her.
    “In addition to being sexy as hell, you’re a good guy. You’re sweet and kind and honest. You’ve never lied to me and I can’t tell you how much that means.” The words flowed from her mouth uncensored. Mary Karenstepped from his arms, her body trembling at an unexpected realization.
    She loved this man. Had loved him for years but until this very moment hadn’t admitted it to herself. Of course, what did it matter? Steven had shown her that love wasn’t enough. She cleared her throat and forced a bright smile. “Do you mind if we step outside for a