Page 53 of Christmas at Black Cherry Retreat
‘When you’re working is it wiser not to be too… obviously female?’
‘In some ways. When I started out a lot of the male photo journalists still resented women doing their job. Things are largely different now.’
‘What’s the hardest part of the job?’
‘Seeing people hurting and not being able to do anything but document their pain.’ Fee’s voice broke andTom eased her around in his arms so they lay face to face.
‘But if no-one did your job the rest of us would never know what was going on. You’ve done some amazing work but there’s no shame if you decide you’ve had enough. Maybe it’s time to pass on the torch.’
‘Perhaps.’ She wasn’t sure how to vocalise her confusion and guilt.
‘I get that it’s hard when it’s all you’veever done. I do understand. I grew up knowing I’d be a cop. Following in my father’s footsteps was all I wanted.’ His chest heaved with deep, gulping breaths. ‘Gina’s death killed the dreams we had as a couple but also took away everything I thought I was about.’
‘You came through it though.’ Fee wished she could make him see how strong he was.
‘In a way.’ Sadness dulled his rich,brown eyes. ‘But I can’t do the love thing again no matter how much I—’
‘Don’t.’ She stopped him short. ‘You don’t need to be kind just because we had sex.’
Deep frown lines creased his forehead. ‘Is that all it was to you?’
What did he want from her?Honesty might destroy whatever was going on between them but should she take the chance?
