Free No Place Like Home (Siren Publishing Ménage and More) by Diane Leyne Page B

them.
     
    * * * *
     
    When she pulled up in front of Annie’s place, she saw a familiar sedan parked out front with Craig leaning against it. He really wasn’t a bad-looking man, a little pasty maybe, from working inside, and he could probably stand to spend a little time with a personal trainer as he was already developing a little pot belly, but his features were pleasant, and his demeanor was pleasant, and other than cheating with Cindy, he wasn’t a bad guy. He’d make some woman very happy, just not her.
    He walked up to her. She waited. He hesitated and then blurted out, “I just had to come and apologize to you. What I did was unforgiveable, and I’m sorry. I should have had the guts to tell you to your face that I was falling for Cindy, but I didn’t want to hurt you, and I didn’t want to hurt her, and I just made such an absolute mess of things.” He teared up. She could see his emotions on his face, his sincerity, and suddenly she felt it in her heart. She could forgive him. They had just been going through the motions because they made a good couple on paper. And she could have been more honest, too. She hadn’t really been in love with him, but he was the safe choice.
    Suddenly, she felt the urge to hug him. He hugged her back, dirty clothes and all. “I’m so sorry, Cass. And if you want, I’m willing to try again.”
    “No, Craig. It was partially my fault, too. I kept you at a distance emotionally. If you love Cindy, go to her. Tell her. Don’t make another mistake.”
    He hugged her tight, the joy shining in his face, and he leaned down and kissed her hard. “Thank you. You don’t know what your approval means to me. Well, I should be going. It’s a long drive back.”
    “Yes it is. Have you eaten? It’s late, and it’s raining, so the roads are slick. Why don’t you come in and have a quick bite to eat and crash on my couch. Then I’ll fill you up a thermos of coffee for the road and you can make an early start of it.” He looked down at his clothes and the dirt that she’d transferred to him with the hug. “You can clean up as well and throw your clothes in the washer. I can borrow you a T-shirt from Annie’s husband for you to sleep in.”
    He studied her face. “Yes, thank you. I will take you up on your offer.” She turned and headed up the stairs.
    When she got Craig settled with a bowl of pasta, she checked out his shirt. The mulch stains would definitely need some serious soaking, and the smell wasn’t pleasant for someone unused to it. “I’ll be right back.”
    She knocked on Annie’s door and then let herself in. “Hey, Annie,” she shouted. I have a half-naked man in my apartment. Does Steve have an old T-shirt I can borrow? Sweatpants would be great, too. Long story, but I have Craig up in the apartment, wearing only his boxers.”
    She thought she heard Steve on the phone, but she didn’t pay attention as Annie came down the stairs with the requested T-shirt and sweatpants in her hand.
    “What? Craig? Craig’s naked in your apartment?”
    “Nah, I got mulch over his clothes when we hugged, and now they are in the washing machine while he eats. But I want to get him something to wear tonight. The couch is a bit scratchy and his skin is sensitive.”
    “He’s going to sleep on the couch?”
    “Um, yeah. Did you think he was going to sleep in my bed?” She looked at her friend. “Craig and I are not getting back together. He drove out to apologize. And we talked it out, and we decided that we should have broken up a long time ago, and I wished him well with Cindy. I think he really does love her. But it is late, and his night sight is pretty bad, and with all the rain, I told him to sleep on the couch tonight and get an early start. Anyway, gotta run. See you tomorrow.”
    She headed for the door. “And one more thing, Annie. I accept the partnership. I’m staying in Hope.”
     
    * * * *
     
    The alarm went off at six. She got Craig’s clothes out of