Free Shattered Dreams by Sandy Loyd

daughters.”
    “Jason has children?” She never imagined the imposing attorney as a dad. The thought that he was happily married with a family made her a little bit envious. She’d always wanted children. Now it looked as if she’d never have a family.
    “They’re lovely girls, and usually in tow when he comes in. He’s always talking about passing something he loved from his childhood down to the younger generation. We’re only too happy to oblige.” Sophia nodded at the dessert cart. “Now, pick something out. Otherwise I’ll feel insulted.”
    “Okay.” Claire shoved the negative thoughts away and pointed to a chocolate éclair. “I’ll have that, but only if Jason helps me eat it.”
    “Good choice. Jason has a soft spot for éclairs.” Sophia placed the dessert on the table along with two forks. “Of course, he has a soft spot for anything sweet,” she said with a conspiratorial wink before she turned and pushed the cart in the direction Jason had disappeared.
    A moment later, he sauntered toward the table, brandishing his usual boyish smile.
    “I picked out an éclair,” Claire told him. “I hope you don’t mind. I love them.”
    His eyes crinkled at the edges when his grin widened. He nodded and sat. “I like anything sweet.”
    “That’s what Sophia said.”
    Claire cut the éclair in two and started eating. Jason picked up a fork.
    After a few bites, she added, “She also told me about your daughters.”
    “Oh?” His eyebrows shot up, and he eyed her speculatively while he swallowed. “What exactly did she tell you?”
    “I guess that means you’re married,” she said, ignoring his question.
    “For the moment.”
    “I wouldn’t have pegged you as a family man.”
    Jason laughed. “I’m not sure if that’s a compliment or not.”
    “So, what’s a guy like you doing with Crystal? She’s not exactly kid friendly.”
    “What do you think?”
    Glancing at the bite on her fork, she shrugged. “I don’t know what to think. That’s why I asked.”
    “Bullshit. I know precisely what you think.”
    “Really?” She met his stare. “You can read my mind?”
    “Don’t have to. Accusation’s written all over your face. Plus, you’ve been alluding to it since we met.” He snorted and shook his head. “You think I cheated on my wife and had an affair with your sister. Don’t you?”
    His gaze resettled on hers, and she couldn’t stop the heat she felt stealing up her face at his accurate assumption. After all, married men tended to be Crystal’s specialty.
    “Well?” she finally asked, unable to contain her curiosity after he resumed eating. “You’re not going to bother denying it?”
    “No. Believe what you want. Besides, it’s really none of your business.”
    “I’m sorry. I guess I deserved that,” she said softly, allowing a contrite expression to move over her face to replace the embarrassed one. “You’re right. It is none of my business, but I’d love to hear about your kids. Amelia and Chloe, right?” She meant the question as a peace offering, hoping to revert to their easy rapport before she’d opened her big mouth. When he nodded, she smiled. “How old are they?”
    He observed Claire cautiously, as if weighing her sincerity. “Amelia’s turning ten in another month, and Chloe’s eight.”
    “Where are they tonight? How come you’re cheering up a crazy person, instead of being home with your wife and kids?”
    “The girls are with their mother this week.”
    “This week?”
    “Yeah. It’s part of the divorce agreement Crystal worked out.”
    “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”
    He swirled his wineglass, studying the contents. “It’s not my finest accomplishment, so I don’t bandy it about.”
    “How long were you married?”
    “Eleven long years,” he said with a sigh. His wistful gaze moved to a distant point. “I married Elise right out of law school. Was going to take on the world, ya know?” He snorted and took a sip of wine.