Page 5 of Always Mine

“I’m on the back porch. Come out.”

She went through the back door to the porch. It was warm out here but shaded from the sun. He refurbished the old rattancouches his parents had bought and put yellow and red print cushions on them. A table and chairs were off to the right.

He stood, came to her and kissed her cheek. “Hello, honey.”

“Hi.”

“Let’s sit.”

They took seats on the couch and he grasped her hand. It was safe and solid and always felt good. “Nice day?”

“Errands and cleaning. Not too exciting.”

A sweet half-grin. Seth was an attractive guy with sandy blond hair, light eyes and a fit body. They often went on runs together. “I’ll give you the name of my house cleaner.”

“No thanks. I prefer to do it myself.”

He smiled. Seth rarely argued with her. He was laid back and not comfortable with confrontation.

An argument she’d had with Diego in the past surfaced.You’re damn right I asked for that. You should do what you promised!

Hell!

Seth had made baked ham and sweet potatoes, broccoli and a green salad. Annie remembered the spicy enchiladas and casseroles Angelica taught Diego to make. Shit!

Forcefully, she banished him from her thoughts.

After dinner, as they cleaned up, Seth walked behind her and slid his arms around her waist. “Annie, are you okay?”

“Yes, of course.”

“You seem out of it.”

Oh, no. She didn’t mean to do that. “Sorry. I guess I’m tired.”

“We can make it an early night, if you want.”

She usually spent weekends here. She had clothes and toiletries upstairs. Turning to him, she nodded. “I think maybe I will. Would you mind if I went home after we finish here?”

His brows raised. “Oh, um, no, I guess. If that’s what you want.”

When they were finished in the kitchen, he walked her to the door. “Honey, I can tell something’s wrong.”

“I’m sorry, Seth. I overdid it today. I just need some sleep.” The excuse was paltry, but he wouldn’t call her on her vagueness.

He kissed her nose. “Don’t worry about it. Get some rest.”

“I’ll probably be better tomorrow.”

“I’ll pick you up at ten for church.”

“All right, good night.”

The air was warm still as he walked to her car and she got in. The heavy guilt returned. When she reached the bottom of the driveway, she hit the steering wheel with her fist. “Damn. Damn. Damn.” She couldn’t believe she let Diego into her life again.

Well, she’d get him out of it like she had the last time. By force of will. And it wouldn’t take years this time.

As soon as she got inside her house, she kicked her shoes off and went to the living room. Her cellphone chimed. It was probably Seth seeing if she made it home. But no, she didn’t recognize the number. She clicked into it.

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