When the Heart Lies - By Christina North Page 0,58

lasting love. Unattainable dreams.

“I don’t mean to get in your business. I was just wondering.”

The last few years with Nick had seemed like such a struggle. She’d always care about him. She knew that. But life and Wayde changed her. “I’m not sure that’s an option. I’m not so sure continuing to pretend everything’s perfect with my family is the way to go. You know what I mean? Sometimes people leave so much unsaid in a marriage that those unsaid things become bigger than they are.”

“Yeah, but don’t you think if someone is your greatest love, your soul mate, you can get through anything?” Scar appeared enamored, hopeful.

She hoped her next statement wouldn’t cloud Scars optimism. “Soul mate? Nick’s not my soul mate. I thought he was, once. I was mistaken. Don’t get me wrong. He’s one of my great loves.” And he had been. She’d loved him. So much, it nearly killed her. She glanced away and tapped the table with her fingernails. “I think I missed the soul mate bus.”

“I guess I just assumed since you’re married and all. Sorry. You think you could love two people that much in one lifetime? I’ve never been in love. I kind of hope one special love is out there for me.”

Kinsley smiled and wished life was so simple. “Ideally, life should be like that, but sometimes timing is everything. Besides, why couldn’t you love more than one person? We love people in different ways, for different reasons. Right?”

Scar looked mischievous. “I’m not trying to play matchmaker here. Well, maybe I am, a little. Jackson likes you. I’ve seen him when he’s into someone, and that has only been...ah, let me see… never. He’s messed up over you.”

She was surprised to hear that. She figured with his good looks and charm, he kissed and had anyone he was attracted to. Kiss. The sensations of their encounter washed over her. She sighed. “Jackson… he is skillful.” When she recovered, she laughed at herself, realizing what she’d said. “Sorry, skillful was the first word that came to mind. Look, I think Jackson’s incredible, believe me, but like I said, timing is everything.”

“He’d love to hear from you.”

She bit her lower lip in contemplation and sighed again, this time not so happily. “Getting involved would be unfair to him right now, but who knows about the future. I like him and you a lot. We should stay in touch.” She meant it sincerely. The turn in the conversation was getting her down.

“Well, I should get going now. Jackson’s picking me up. Sure you don’t want to say hello? He would probably fall at my feet if I got you to do that.”

Her heart jumped a beat at the thought of seeing him. “I can’t.” She caught herself and noticed Scar’s quizzical eye. “I mean… I shouldn’t.”

“Well, I’m glad I ran into you. You have my number. Give me a call. Okay? And if you ever want Jackson’s number…” She shrugged, headed out, and waited in front for Jackson.

As soon as Scar left, Kinsley covertly kept a lookout for Jackson to pull up. When he did, he was already looking into the window. They locked eyes. There were no grins, no winks, only sadness. They continued to look at each other until Scar settled into her seat and put on her seat belt. He pulled off after blowing her a kiss from his hand. The image so vivid, the kiss so desired—she nearly lifted her hand to catch it. She felt like they were dragging her heart off with them. Why? I barely know him.

She sat for a while before going back to her writing.

~ ~ ~

Not wanting Scar to see his reaction to seeing Kinsley, Jackson kept his eyes straight ahead as he drove from the café. He should have gone in. When he saw her sitting there alone, watching for him, he knew he should have gone to her. Even now, he had an itch to turn back. But he knew better than to corner her. “So… how’d it go?”

“Awkward at first, she seemed hesitant about talking. I didn’t see anything physical to indicate trouble, and I came right out and asked her why she stayed. She said it was complicated.”

He continued to stare straight ahead. “She didn’t say why? Did she say anything else?”

“I asked her about Nick, if she was going back to him.” Scar waited for a response.

His gaze stayed forward. He didn’t answer back until he could no longer