Free Red Tide (Siren Publishing Classic) by Tymber Dalton Page A

see any reason why he should object.”
    Ron nodded. “We’ll cite irreconcilable differences. Florida’s a no-fault state, thank God. As long as he doesn’t contest anything, it should go right through with no problems. Give me a list of joint assets and what you want and what you want to let him have.” They talked for the next hour, Ron taking down all the information he needed for the filing. Once finished, they chatted for a few minutes.
    “Have you talked to Ed yet?” he asked.
    She stared. “About what?”
    He snorted. “About this. I think he’d love to know that you’re getting rid of John for good. That, and about the other thing we discussed.”
    “Ron, look.” She thought for a moment to pick her words carefully. “Ed and I are friends. I’ve known him most of my life, and yes, I do love him, but I don’t want to risk that friendship. We work well together, and I really don’t have any other family now that Mom and Dad are gone. I’m fine with the way things are.”
    Ron leaned back in his chair and clasped his hands behind his head. “Yes, but wouldn’t you like to see them go farther?”
    She sighed. “I don’t think Ed wants that. I don’t want to put him in an uncomfortable position of having to turn me down. Frankly, I’d be mortified if that happened.”
    “Mitch, you’re not listening to me. Ed is crazy about you. Any fool with half a brain can see that. I watched him this weekend, and the way he looks at you and acts around you, he’s got it bad for you.”
    “If he wants to take things a step closer, he will. I’m not going to put him on the spot, Ron.” She glanced at her watch. “I’ve got to get going. He’ll be back from St. Pete in a little while with the injectors, and I want to help him put them in.” She stood and handed Ron the coffee mug. “How soon will this happen, and how much do I owe you?”
    He walked her out to the Bronco. “Pro bono. Give me a week to get them drawn up and back to you for a signature. I’ll let you do the filing yourself, and you can pay the clerk’s fees.”
    She hugged him. “You sure? You don’t have to do that.”
    He smiled. “Yes, I’m sure. I’m just glad to see you untying the knot with that creep.”
    Mitch headed back up US 19, stopping at the Publix in Bayonet Point to pick up something for lunch. She went to the house, changed her clothes and got Pete, then headed over to the boat. Ed already had the engine cover up and was organizing the tools. He smiled when she stepped onto the stern. “Whatcha got in the bag, dear?” he asked.
    “Fried chicken for lunch.” She set the bag on the counter in the galley where Pete couldn’t reach it and helped Ed replace the injectors. They took a break about two hours later to eat, relaxing in the stern.
    “Where’d you go this morning?” he asked her.
    “I went to go see Ron.”
    “About what?”
    No reason not to tell him.“ I want to get the filing done and be finished with John. There’s no reason in the world to stay married to the man. I’ve been putting it off because I dread the contact with him, but it won’t get done if I don’t do it.” She studied his face and wished she could read his mind. Her stomach twisted. She knew he hated John, but would he take the opportunity to speak up and tell her what she wanted to hear? Would he make her day, or break her heart, with his reaction?
     
    * * * *
     
    An earthquake couldn’t have rocked Ed’s world any harder than that news. He successfully resisted the urge to pull her into his arms and plant a deep kiss on her lips. “I’m glad to see you get that done. It’s not good for you to be connected to him. Are you going to ask for anything?”
    Mitch shook her head, her auburn ponytail bobbing. “Only what’s rightfully mine. Mainly the WaveRunners, stuff I’ve still got in the house, things like that. No alimony or anything, and he can do whatever he wants with the house. I don’t want it.”
    He silently