When the Heart Lies - By Christina North Page 0,14

the key under the statue. Quietly, they walked back. The long stretch of silence was comfortable.

He stopped walking and circled in front of her. “I’d like to see you tonight after everything dies down.” He watched as she sucked in a breath, unknowingly raising her breasts in offering while her face revealed a contrasting resignation. Tonight, would be strictly work, he reminded himself. He needed information. But the ache in the center of his chest made him acutely aware he needed to connect personally as well. He pushed the nagging thought of boundaries out of his head. “I’m harmless, just talk,” he said. “And let’s face it; anything is better than sitting in a hospital room.”

“I’d like to, but you should be aware I’m kind of, well, in the middle of something.”

He reached out and brushed her hair over her shoulder.

“Everybody’s in the middle of something.”

“I suppose. But I have to see my son tonight if he comes. I won’t be able to think if I don’t know that he’s okay. Once I see him, if I see him, I’ll come.”

“I’ll take care of meeting up. Just expect me.” He held a thought. “Maybe we shouldn’t head in together. Why give people reason to wonder what we’re up to? How about you go back the way we came, and I’ll follow behind you?” He laid his hand lightly on the small of her back. Her body tensed.

She stood motionless, not breaking the connection.

He smiled inwardly, pleased his touch had an effect on her. From behind, he whispered in her ear, allowing his breath to graze her delicate skin. “I think you’re supposed to scram now.” He nudged her forward.

Red faced, she turned, bounded forward, and headed back toward the main building.

~ ~ ~

No one noticed Kinsley go into the building. She went directly into her room. In case any odor lingered from the marijuana, she threw on a clean, lavender colored tank top, washed up, and brushed her teeth.

Visiting hours started soon; she hoped Wayde would bring Max, but she was unsure if he’d come at all. She tried to think of some things she wanted to say to him, to get her mind off what her body was experiencing after her visit to the boathouse. Jackson’s kindness and gentleness seemed so intimate. Staying on task with him would be the equivalent of standing and balancing in the middle of a teeter-totter.

She felt ready to face Wayde and make him understand she was serious about leaving. He wouldn’t make it easy, but she couldn’t put it off any longer.

Plopping down onto her bed, she imagined Max running to her with open arms, his eyes smiling. She couldn’t wait to hug him and kiss his sweet little cheeks. She almost fell asleep until one of the nurses knocked on her door to let her know she had visitors.

Here we go.

Immediately, she got up and headed to the dining area. She spotted Max. He saw her and came running just as she’d pictured.

“Mommy, Mommy!”

“Aw baby, I’m so glad to see you.” She squeezed him tight and gave him kisses all over his face.

He wiggled around in her arms, giggling. “Mommy, I can’t breathe.”

She released him from the unyielding hug. “I missed you so much.”

“You coming home tonight?”

“I’ll be back soon. You be good, and do what you’re told while I’m gone.” She sat in the seat across from Wayde. “Max, come sit on my lap while I talk to Wayde.” He settled into her lap, and she reluctantly regarded Wayde. “Thanks for bringing him. I didn’t know if you would.”

“Yeah, whatever. I almost forgot; your agent called the house when he couldn’t get your old cell. He has some book reviews he wants you to write. I told you not to give anyone the number. I changed it again.”

She ignored his comment.

He snorted as he looked away and back again. “Can you come home and be sensible. Things were fine up until ya met Veda. She’s been putting all kinds of things in your head.”

“No one puts things in my head. You’re delusional. Things have never been fine. Veda’s a neighbor, a friend. For crying out loud, you act like I’m some prize you’ve won, and you want to keep me in the Cracker Jack box all to yourself. I’m going back to New York.”

“Nick don’t want you back. He ain’t even tried to contact you. Shit. That should tell you something. And I don’t like that sassy attitude.” He delivered his