Free Shattered Dreams by Sandy Loyd Page A

“Of course the problem with dreams like that, once they crack, they shatter so easily. Nothing’s left but tiny shards of dreams. And even if you put the pieces together again, the original is distorted.”
    Claire heard the regret in his voice and looked down at her fork, uncomfortable without knowing why.
    “Enough of that. We’re not here to dissect my failures any more than we came to dissect your marriage.”
    The teasing quality in his tone drew her attention to his face. The innocent grin plastered there had her grin reappearing.
    “Yes.” She nodded slowly. “It’s better if we both stay off the subject of failure.”
    With the check paid and no more reason for lingering, Claire allowed Jason to help her out of her chair. Watching him hug Sophia, she couldn’t dismiss that her relationship with Jason had begun changing during their meal. Though she still knew next to nothing about him and couldn’t forget his interesting connection with Crystal, something had altered the way she viewed the man.
    Because his life wasn’t picture perfect, Jason now seemed more approachable, less intimidating. That made him all the more dangerous, as well as all the more attractive. Reason enough to stay far, far away from him. She did not need to be thinking such thoughts, not until she dealt with Carl.
    They drove back to her car in comfortable silence. He pulled into the parking lot and eased into a spot close to her Lexus. Shifting into PARK , he turned to face her, his usual friendly grin overtaking his face.
    The car suddenly seemed too confining, and Claire had an overwhelming urge to flee. Squelching the impulse, she extended a hand.
    “Thank you for a very nice evening.”
    “Friends?”
    The request was too hard to deny, especially considering the way his engaging grin captivated her and held her gaze. Claire knew at that moment she had good cause for being careful around him.
    She shook her head and barked out a burst of nervous laughter. “I guess we are friends.”
    “Good. Then you should know I told Jim O’Malley to keep digging. I’m sticking with this until I have some better answers.”
    Her smile died and her back stiffened. She eyed him warily. “Why?”
    “You’re my friend, and I’m worried about you.”
    “I appreciate the concern. But it’s unnecessary.” When she grabbed the door handle, he reached to open his door. Noticing his intent, Claire hurriedly said, “You don’t need to do that.” She jumped out, but he was quicker. “Jason. I’m quite all right. Really.”
    Her protests hit deaf ears. She heaved a heavy sigh and walked with him to her car, where he held out his hand, clearly expecting her to hand over the key. Again she complied, knowing she had no choice. Once Jason Roberts put his mind to something, he was immovable.
    After opening the door, he offered the key with one hand while the other took her chin. He planted a simple kiss on her cheek.
    “Good night, Claire.” He turned and sauntered to his car, saying over his shoulder, “I’ll be in touch to let you know what Jimbo finds out.”
    She stood for a moment watching him, wondering about their similar circumstances. How different would her life be if she’d picked someone like him for a spouse rather than Carl?
    When Jason drove off, leaving the parking lot empty except for her Lexus, Claire felt utterly alone. Sighing, she climbed inside and started the engine. Being alone was definitely better than being with someone who didn’t love you.
    Besides, she reasoned, she wasn’t totally alone. She now had a new friend.

Chapter 8
    The next morning, Claire’s cell phone buzzed, interrupting her meeting with Gwen as they sat in the conference room. Amy, who always helped out with last-minute details when they neared deadline, was also present. Storyboards were scattered about the large oak table.
    “Sorry.” Claire offered an apologetic shrug after noting the caller ID. “I need to take this.”
    Wondering what