Page 79 of Just One Night Together

“All of them singingI drove all night to get to you?”

Haley nodded. “Of course.”

“Why?”

“Because it is The. Very. Best. Song. Ever.”

He leaned against the counter beside her, intrigued. “You seem to be uncertain about that.”

She laughed and picked up the knife again, resuming her chopping. She was blushing, just a little.

Maybe he should say thanks before dinner.

“Why is it the best song?” he asked. By her own admission, she wasn’t a romantic. Was she a relentless optimist? She seemed to have no doubt of her abilities to fix things.

Even him.

“Why?” she echoed, as if the very question was ridiculous. “Come on! It’s about wanting someone so much that youhaveto get to their side. A.S.A.P. No matter the cost.”

“Even if you have to drive all night.”

“Yes.” Haley nodded. “It’s about passion and great sex and obsession and it’s just perfect.”

“Isn’t it about true love?”

She bit her lip, considering it. “I guess it could be.” Her gaze flicked to him. “I think it’s more about that moment in every relationship when the other person is the only thing you can think about, the bit where everything seems perfect and full of promise.”

“The part that doesn’t last.”

She nodded easy agreement. “It can’t last. Nothing that good can stay that good. Maybe the moment is sweeter because it doesn’t.”

“Maybe.” Damon spoke his thoughts aloud. “My mom would have said true love does last.”

Haley nodded. “So would mine.” She shook her head. “I think that’s a fantasy for most people.”

“And our moms?”

“They want to believe it. Maybe they ignored the truth because they didn’t want to see it.” She winced. “Maybe it’s easier to believe the fantasy after you’re widowed.”

There was that.

“Don’t talk about mermaids again.”

Haley smiled. “It’s kind of the same. I can like this song without believing that true love lasts forever.”

Damon was skeptical. “Tell me about Garrett,” he invited, not really expecting her to do so.

Her sidelong glance was wary. “Why?”

“I’m curious.”

“I’m curious about lots of things about you, but you usually say it’s not my concern.”

Damon smiled. “Guilty as charged. Do you still love him?”

“Yes.” Haley exhaled. “I probably always will.”

Damon’s heart squeezed tightly. “Why?”

---