Page 31 of Love Over Time

Henry’s aunt moved closer to him, a greedy look in her eyes. She placed her hand on his shoulder and surveyed his face. “We all miss him. Don’t we? But justice was served. Now we must remember James for who he was and not how his life ended.” Henry pushed her hand off him, and she turned her attention to Mrs. Blaine. “And I agree with you. This entire town agrees with you. That Morrow girl should rot in jail.”

Mrs. Blaine nodded, a star-struck expression in her face. She’d say anything to be included in Francesca’s circle.

“I have to go. My dear husband’s waiting for me. Is my order ready? The mayor can’t function without his donuts.”

“Of course.” Mrs. Blaine sprang to action, snapping her fingers to get the server’s attention. “Fetch Madame Mayor’s order.”

“I hope to see you both this weekend.” Francesca waved and returned to the counter.

“Do they know your uncle is the elected official, not Francesca? It’s not like they’re royalty.”

Henry gave me a weak smile. “Are you okay?”

Our hands were sweaty, but I didn’t dare let go of him. I shook my head. “Lisa’s right.”

“I know.” He drew circles on my palm with his thumb. “Some date, huh?”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “This was a date?”

“Well, not anymore. I mean…” He gestured toward the counter. His face relaxed a little, and he smiled. “I’d hoped to come here, have breakfast, and talk about us.”

“What is there to say about us?”

He shrugged. “There’s such a big wall between us, Nikki. I’m part of this town. The same town that hurt you when you were little. The one that chased you away. How do I make it right? I can see it in your eyes. You’re never going to forget all the pain you went through when you were here. You’re never going to forgive me. Are you?”

“None of this was your fault.”

“You keep saying that. But you’re holding something back. What is it?”

What is it?What was stopping me from looking deep inside and sifting through the feelings I had for Henry? Why was I so afraid to look? Was he right? I’d been avoiding him, keeping him at a distance because I hadn’t forgiven him for leaving me, for letting this town treat me the way they did. None of it was his fault. I knew that. But it still hurt. I was still angry. No matter who or what I had become, this town would always remind me what a bad seed I was, just as Mrs. Blaine had said.

“You deserve better than a Morrow girl, Henry.” The words pained me, but they rang true.

He shook his head.

“You know I’m right. Even Nikki Swift isn’t for you. I’m a thief, a crook.”

“You think I give a shit about that? I want you. It’s always been you.” His voice sounded strained as he squeezed my fingers.

I swallowed the lump in my throat and pulled my hand back, rising to my feet. “We have work to do. Let’s go find your mom. And forget about all this.”

“Forget about us?”

“Yes, Henry. When the job is done, I’m gone. That’s how I work.” I stormed out.

Chapter Twelve

The Woman in the Picture

Henry

Goddammit, Nikki. Don’t do this.I fished three twenties from my wallet, threw them on the table, and went after her.

Right outside the door, Russ caught up to me. “What’s this I hear about a day off?”

I strode up the street, my gaze focused on Nikki’s back as she practically ran toward the hotel. “The guys need a break, Russ. Let them be.”

“Okay. You’re the boss, but let me know if I can help,” he called out.

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