Page 82 of Broken Ice, Mended Hearts

What a horrible image. I didn’t think they would do such a thing, but I took a seat and inspected the burger.

Jacob took the chair across from me and gestured at the club sandwich on his plate. “Would you rather have this?”

“No, the burger’s great.”

“Then stop looking at it and eat it.”

I took a bite, hoping my stomach wouldn’t rebel. Instead, it seemed to appreciate the sustenance, and I had to admit the burger was good. Jacob watched me, and though I still wasn’t hungry, I finished the meal and drank half my soda in one go. “God, I forgot how much I like cola. I don’t have it often.”

“Want another?” he asked. “The machine’s right down the hall, so I’ll go get it.”

“Maybe in a while.”

We cleared the table and disposed of the plates and wrappers before taking our usual places, him on a hard blue chair, and me on an equally uncomfortable green sofa.

“Do you know who Alex Morgan is?” I asked.

“The sports agent? I looked at a contract for Benny Caldwell once when she was on vacation.”

“That’s her, an amazing woman. She represents Sven and me, and she’s on a plane now coming down from New York.”

Jacob tilted his head. “That’s awfully nice of her. I’m not sure Nick’s agent would do that.”

I finished my cola and crushed the can. “Alex is more than just an agent. She’s become a close friend over the years, and it’s the same with Sven. In a way, she’s responsible for us being together.”

“Really? Sounds like there’s a story there.”

I told him about the dinner at Alex’s, and how she’d suggested we hang out for the summer.

“How did she know you liked guys?”

“She didn’t mean that kind of hanging out. Her idea was that since Sven was new to Washington, I could show him around. Since we were both at loose ends—him after breaking up with his ex, and me after my divorce—she thought it would be a good idea if we kept each other company.”

Jacob took a sip of his soda before saying, “So, hanging out led tohanging out?”

“That’s right.”

“And to be clear, so I don’t stick my foot in my mouth, she knows you two are together?”

“She does. In fact, she came down to see us this summer after we told her. Like I said, she’s a close friend.”

“Obviously. I’ll look forward to meeting her.”

I glanced at my watch and stood. “It’s time for my visit. I’ll be back.”

Jacob nodded. “As soon as Alex gets here, I’ll make a quick trip home to change clothes. Can I stop by your place and pick up some things for you?”

“You don’t need to do that. In fact, why don’t you stay home tonight and sleep in a real bed?”

“No way that’s happening.” He got up and hurried over. “In case she gets here while you’re gone, give me your keys and tell me what to bring you.”

I reached into my pocket and handed them over. “Thank you so much. Toiletries are in the medicine cabinet in my bathroom. Would you get some clean jeans and a shirt or two out of the closet? Underwear and socks are in the top dresser drawer.”

Alex was in the family room when I returned from seeing Sven. She wrapped me in such a strong hug I almost squeaked, and Irelaxed into her arms. We held each other while a family on the other side of the room argued about who would go home for the night.

“I’m so sorry this is happening,” she said, letting me go but keeping her hands on my arms. “Jacob filled me in on what I didn’t know, but you’ve just been with Sven, haven’t you?”

“Yes. They let me stay for a while.”

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