Page 320 of Hidden Depths

Threats.

Danger.

But Tonya had reached him.

“Did you love her?” I asked.

The question escaped before I could stop it.

Ward looked at me.

“Yes.”

The answer cut deeper than it should have.

I lowered my eyes.

“I’m sorry. That wasn’t any of my business.”

“I cared about her. I respected her. I thought we could build a good life together.”

“That isn’t what I asked.”

“No.”

His voice grew quieter.

“It isn’t.”

I forced myself to meet his eyes.

“What are you saying?”

Ward stared toward the harbor.

“I’m saying Tonya was brave enough to admit something I hadn’t.”

He didn’t explain.

I didn’t ask him to.

He had been engaged that morning.

Whatever feelings existed between us didn’t change that.

He needed time.

And I needed to protect my heart from believing the end of his engagement had anything to do with me.

His phone vibrated.

Ward pulled it from his pocket.

He glanced at the screen.

Then frowned.

“What is it?” I asked.