Free Illusions of Death by Lauren Linwood Page B

in the room. “You said you were divorced. Any kids?”
    Logan grew quiet. “No. You?”
    “No. Mario didn’t want any. I finally realized that I did want them. Just not with him.” Karlyn sighed. “I knew for a long time that we weren’t working. Mario was distant or absent.”
    She stirred some sweetener into her decaf. “I wasn’t the greatest marriage partner either. I tend to get wrapped up in my work, creating people and places. Especially if I’m on deadline.”
    “I wasn’t the best husband myself. Married to the job like most cops. At least in your work, you can create a happy ending. Matt gets the killer or solves his case. I don’t always find my bad guy. Even if I do, the D.A. might not get a conviction.”
    Karlyn saw how down Logan had become and tried to lighten the mood.
    “Hey, my life sucks sometimes. My characters misbehave constantly. I plan what they should do, then they deviate off-course like clockwork. Eventually, I get them back on track by the end.”
    Unlike her marriage. She regretted how long she’d drifted aimlessly, hoping Mario would change. Hoping things would improve between them.
    Hoping she could love and be loved.
    They finished their coffee and strolled to the car. The night air was clear and cool. Logan opened her door. Karlyn tried to remember if Mario had ever done that for her.
    Logan stepped in the driver’s side and turned to her.
    “Do you believe people in real life can have that happy ending?”
    Karlyn hesitated. “It’s possible. But not everyone finds it. Sometimes, life gets in the way.”
    “Was this a date?” he asked.
    She bit her lip and decided to be honest. “I didn’t think so. I found you interesting and wanted to talk about my writing with you. I thought I’d ask you a few questions about your profession.”
    “But we didn’t talk much about it, did we?” His moss green eyes drilled into hers.
    “No,” she said softly. “We didn’t. But I did ask you about your work. So maybe—”
    “I don’t date,” he announced. “I had a few after my divorce, but they seemed pointless.”
    “I don’t date either,” she agreed. “The ink’s barely dry on my divorce papers. I’m giving myself some time to heal emotionally.”
    “Then if this isn’t a date, I guess I shouldn’t do this.”
    Logan leaned over, his hand cupping the back of her neck. Before she could react, his lips met hers.
    Magic.
    Instant and real. Karlyn became soft putty in Logan’s capable hands. The kiss deepened, and she found herself falling, spinning, whirling in a heat-filled maelstrom. His mouth dominated hers, enslaved her, created a longing she’d never experienced.
    And as fast as it started, it ended.
    Logan pulled away, breathing hard. His eyes glittered with passion.
    “If this is not dating,” Karlyn told him, “I think I’d like to try dating with you sometime.”

Chapter 13
    “Have a good time?”
    Karlyn jumped. Her mother stood at the end of the foyer, a wineglass in her hand. Martha motioned her to follow. Karlyn entered the den and took a seat in a leather wingback chair.
    “Need a nightcap?”
    “No, I had two glasses of merlot at dinner. I’ll never sleep if I have anymore.”
    Martha shrugged and topped off her glass. “Where did Detective Warner take you for your date?”
    “It wasn’t a date.” Karlyn hoped she didn’t blush as she protested. She ran a hand through her hair and glanced at the flickering images on the TV with feigned interest.
    Think about anything but that kiss.
    Martha’s brows shot up. “Logan Warner is an attractive man. The woman that lands him will be lucky.”
    She looked back at her mother. “I’m licking my wounds from my divorce. I don’t have any interest in dating.”
    Martha set her glass down. “Let’s try again. I want us to be friends, Karlyn.”
    “Honestly? I don’t know if we can.”
    Martha sighed. “I was so incredibly young when I married Broderick. Twenty-one to his forty-two. Our