Letting Go (Healing Hearts) Read Free

Diane ignored her growling stomach and walked toward the main office of the motel.
    As she rounded the corner she saw her ex-boyfriend, Dr. Kenneth Perjeux, climbing the motel stairs to the second floor. She watched him enter a room.
    What was he doing here? She doubted he was having a rendezvous with a prostitute. That wasn’t his style.
    She pressed her fingers to her lips when the realization hit her. “I can’t believe my luck,” she whispered.
    Her dark day brightened, filling her with indescribable energy. She felt almost manic with giddiness and relief.
    Someone in her office had mentioned that Ken’s girlfriend had broken up with him last week. Maybe he was still reeling from the breakup and just wanted to get away. Maybe he’d welcome her company tonight.
    Maybe he’d want her again.
    While she went through the motions of checking in and settling in her room, she devised a plan. She’d talk to him about Randy, and then he might offer her the comfort she desired. Maybe she could comfort him. It wouldn’t be the first time they’d turned to each other when hurting.
    And if one thing led to another and Ken slept with her, he might believe the baby was his. He would marry her because he was a decent guy. He’d always talked about wanting to be a father. Maybe she could give him that chance.
    At least she knew Ken was available, and he wouldn’t leave her. Or cheat on her. They’d known each other for too many years and had simply drifted apart. She trusted Ken.
    She put on a low-cut, virtually see-through white silk blouse and the short, black leather skirt Randy had given her on her last birthday. She unbuttoned her top as far as she could to show off her cleavage, but without looking too desperate.
    Quickly refreshing her makeup, she applied waterproof cobalt-blue mascara to her lashes. The shade brought out the golden hue circling her green irises. The new tube of pink lipstick she applied was guaranteed not to kiss off. She hadn’t needed to test it before, but tonight she planned to give it a thorough one. After one last glance in the mirror, she checked her purse to make sure she had her key.
    This is your chance. Don’t screw it up.
    She clutched the handrail as she ascended the stairs to his room. Willing herself not to tremble, she focused on the pleasure her encounter with Ken might bring. Fleeting pleasure maybe, but tangible, and something to give her hope.
    Guilt knotted her throat. She knocked and waited, clenching her hands to keep them from shaking. Although she hated to deceive Ken, she didn’t know what else to do. She swallowed hard, mentally rehearsing what she’d say.
    I should’ve seen the signs. Now I’m doing something worse by dragging a friend into this mess. I hope he doesn’t hate me if he finds out. I hope I don’t hate myself. I can’t believe I’m—
    Ken opened the door. His eyebrows shot up.
    “Diane?”
    Stepping toward him, she released the air she’d sucked in when he opened the door. He looked so good with his shirt clutched in his fist, his bare chest reminding her of how good they’d once been together.
    He stepped aside. She offered a shy smile and entered the room, blinking away the tears filling her eyes.
    “You alone?”
    He peered closer, his gaze settling on her face. “Have you been crying?”
    She froze. She hadn’t expected kindness.
    Stepping past him as he shut the door, she sighed. “I was at a conference in Seattle and stopped to get some rest on my way back home.” Turning, she glanced at him from under lowered lashes and pouted. “I’m simply exhausted.”
    He stared at her, his expression unreadable.
    Easing onto his bed, she crossed her ankles and leaned back on her hands. “I couldn’t drive for another minute, not even if I had to.” Her attention shifted and lingered on his mouth. “Why are you here?”
    Avoiding eye contact, Ken said, “I needed to get away. Katia and I broke up.”
    Her voice lowered to a whisper, “Want