BOH 8-21-07 (00178434).DOC by Unknown Read Free Book Online Page A

didn’t stop to analyze his irritation. “What did
    you plan to do? Leave me a note?”
    “Of course not. I’m telling you now. I only found out
    this morning.”
    “Sit down.”
    “I really should—”
    He softened his tone. “Please?”
    40

    Bridge of Hope

    She parked her butt on the seat of the chair.
    “Did you ever think about going to back to college for
    your Masters?”
    “Yes. That’s why I got this job…so I can save money.
    Plus, I’m thinking I might try for a Masters in library
    science, instead of education.”
    Mike shifted, uncomfortable with the direction he’d
    steered the conversation. Truth be known, he enjoyed her
    in his life. Looked forward to coming home to find her and
    Katy waiting. “Don’t forget Peter’s life insurance. You
    could go back to school, concentrate totally on your degree
    and not have to worry about working.”
    The instant the words hit the air he wanted to take
    them back. Fury darkened her eyes to indigo. “No. I’m not
    touching that money. Not now. It’s my investment for the
    future.”
    Mike frowned. An investment for the future, or a way
    to hold onto Peter’s memory a bit longer? Whatever. The
    reason was none of his business. He’d made a suggestion
    and she’d shot it down. Why didn’t he feel good about her
    newfound strength? His little voice gave him his answer.
    Because idiot, the faster she finds her independence, the
    sooner she’ll be gone.
    She rose so fast the chair tipped over and hit the floor
    with a thud. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll head to bed now.”
    Katy’s voice came from upstairs. “Daddy? What was
    that noise?”
    “Excuse me.” Without a glance in Cyn’s direction, he
    left the kitchen.
    Thirty minutes later, Mike walked downstairs
    annoyed at the melancholy mood he couldn’t kick. He hit
    the dim switch as he walked into the living room and
    headed straight for the liquor cabinet to pour a healthy
    three fingers of bourbon.
    His hand jerked at Cyn’s husky voice. “I’d like one,
    too.” He gathered his emotions and tucked them away
    before turning to notice. She sat on the couch. “I thought
    41

    Pam Champagne

    you’d left. I’ll turn up the light.”
    “Please don’t. Dark is nice.”
    He held up the bottle? “You really want a drink?”
    “Yes, please.”
    He dispensed a small amount in a glass and carried
    it to her.
    “Thanks. I think we need to talk.”
    Already out of his comfort zone that she’d stayed, his
    anxiety level climbed even higher. “I apologize for sticking
    my nose where it doesn’t belong.” He took another sip,
    savoring the bourbon sliding down his dry throat. “It’s
    none of my business what decisions you make.”
    The liquor heated his blood and he grew antsy in the
    ensuing silence. His nerves tautened with every passing
    moment.
    “You’re right,” Cyn murmured. “It’s not your concern,
    but that’s no excuse for my rudeness. I had no right to get
    so riled at your suggestion.”
    He lifted his glass in a toast. “Let’s forget it ever
    happened.”
    “Before we do that, there’s something you need to
    know.”
    He’d been enjoying the warm rush of the bourbon.
    Cyn’s statement sobered him instantly. “What?” Was she
    about to drop a bigger bomb?
    42

    Bridge of Hope

Chapter Seven
    Cyn shook so hard her teeth rattled. Certain she’d
    soon shatter, she gulped the rest of her bourbon. “I’d like
    some more.”
    “You’re fingers are like ice,” he murmured as he took
    the empty glass from her hand.
    Cyn laughed. “That’s funny. The rest of me is on fire.”
    A puzzled look crossed Mike’s face before he rose to
    pour more bourbon. “What’s on your mind? You’re as
    nervous as a new recruit on his first visit to the rifle
    range.”
    “Probably more so.” She clasped her hands so they
    wouldn’t shake, took a deep breath and prayed for the
    courage to say what she had to say. “My last few sessions
    with Dr. Wentworth have focused on