204 Rosewood Lane Read Free

not allow him to create a scene in front of her staff and customers. Zach Cox, a local accountant, nodded in her direction as he left the bank. Justine acknowledged him and returned her attention to Warren. “Hello, Warren.”
    â€œJustine.” He met her eyes and the expression she read on his face told her that her fears were unfounded.
    â€œI came to apologize,” he said. “I owe you that.”
    â€œYes, you do.” She crossed her arms and shifted her weight from her left foot to her right, conveying impatience.
    â€œCan I take you to lunch?” he asked, then rushed to add, “It’s the least I can do. I said some things I shouldn’t have, and I’ve regretted it ever since.”
    â€œI don’t think being seen together is a good idea.”
    Warren’s brown eyes revealed his disappointment. “I can understand that,” he said, graciously accepting her refusal. To her astonishment, he sat down in the chair across from her desk.
    Unsure what to expect next, Justine sank into her own seat.
    â€œHow’s Seth?” he asked. “Still in Alaska?”
    She nodded. “He won’t be home for a few more weeks.” Twenty-eight days to be precise, if everything went according to schedule. She crossed off the days on her calendar every night as she slipped into her bed, alone and lonely. They hadn’t discussed the future; there hadn’t been time. One thing was certain—Justine hated the thought of her husband leaving her for several months each year. Already she dreaded next year’s fishing season, which would start in May.
    â€œYou’re looking good,” Warren said with a glint of admiration.
    â€œThank you,” she said, unsmiling.
    He sighed. “I know you don’t believe me, but all I want is for you to be happy.”
    Warren had been married and divorced three times and had asked her to be his wife on several occasions. Justine had always refused. She’d never had any interest in marrying Warren.
    Aware of her growing attraction to Seth, Warren had purchased a startlingly large diamond ring in the hope of changing her mind. Justine hated to admit that the size of that diamond had briefly weakened her resolve. She knew Warren would have loved slipping the ring on her finger and claiming her as his exclusive property. But the man who’d pampered her was hurt and regretful now. He was asking her to forgive his angry reaction to her marriage.
    â€œWell, perhaps we could go for lunch,” Justine said and knew she’d made the right decision when Warren’s face instantly brightened. She laughed at the way he bounded out of his chair, not bothering to disguise his eagerness. Seth wouldn’t mind her seeing Warren on a social basis now and then; Justine was sure of that. He respected her independence and her good sense, and he realized she’d never abuse his trust.
    â€œWhere would you like to go?” he asked. “Any place you want, you name it.”
    â€œD.D.’s on the Cove,” she suggested, choosing his favorite restaurant.
    â€œPerfect.” He smiled approvingly.
    Justine reached for her purse and followed him toward the front door, which Warren held open for her. “Shall we walk?” she asked. D.D.’s was only a couple of blocks away, but Warren usually preferred to drive.
    â€œSure,” he said. He was making a real effort to be accommodating. He stopped himself from taking her hand, shenoticed, and was grateful. She’d actually missed Warren. Yes, he had his faults, but he could be a good conversationalist and had a sharp mind. There was a history between them, too, a history that had more to do with friendship than romance. In his own way he loved her and she cared for him, too, although not with the same intensity she did Seth. With her husband, the attraction was physical and powerful, but in the few days they’d spent together before he left