Page 72 of Dare to Love Again

“Esme, thank God. Are you all right? We’ve all been worried sick.”

“Why?”

“The way you ran out last night. You had a flashback, didn’t you?”

“How—”

“I’ve seen it before and, honey, Eric and Keiran... Well, they own a security firm and they’re both licensed investigators. Did you think they wouldn’t dig?”

“It isn’t any of their business.”

“One runs the club where you’re a member and you’re involved with the other. They think it is.”

“Not anymore.”

There was silence on the other end for a count of five. “Not anymore to which one?”

“Both. I won’t be back. I can’t.”

“Don’t decide now, while you’re upset. What if we meet for lunch? We can talk.”

“I’m sorry, Val. Being at the club and with Finn brings up too much—I can’t.”

“I understand, Esme. It’s scary starting over. I had to do it myself after my husband died, but I didn’t have the added trauma of him dying tragically in my arms.”

She closed her eyes. “Finn knows about that, too?”

“Like I said, they’re PIs, and very good at their jobs.”

“Isn’t that my freaking great luck?” she grumbled under her breath. “Listen, Val, I appreciate your concern, but I need to go.”

“Are you going to be all right?”

“I’ve survived five years with these memories. I’ve learned to cope.”

“Honey, survive you may have done, but trust me, you aren’t coping. Promise to call me if you need to talk. Any time.”

“I will, Val. Thanks.”

“A word of caution. Don’t be surprised if a worried, very pissed-off, extremely good-looking Irishman with a panty-melting accent—sorry, but you know it’s true—arrives at your door first thing.”

“I came into the office to catch up on work.”

“Then expect him at your office door second thing. These guys are good at finding people, too.”

“I’ve got the alarm system on.”

She chuckled, and Esme could picture her shaking her head. “I don’t think an alarm exists that a Rossi man can’t bypass.”

“He wouldn’t.”

“You’ve met Keiran Finnegan, haven’t you?” she deadpanned. “Good luck, Esme, and don’t forget I’m here if you need me.”

She stared down at the screen as the call ended. The wallpaper was a close-up of Phineas. What she wouldn’t give for a kitty cuddle, or better, a Finn hug.

“That was Val warning you I was on my way, I take it?”

Closing her eyes, she willed her heart, which had jumped into her throat, back into her chest. It didn’t go, nor did it slow, before she looked up. Finn leaned in her doorway, watching her.

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