The Secret Wife by Susan Mallery Read Free Book Online

my room in the middle of the night and strangle me.”
    “At least it’s not boring.”
    Elissa smiled. “It’s many things, but you’re right. It’s not boring.”
    “And if he does slip into your room to do away with you, you can always convince him to do something else with his time.”
    “Sure,” Elissa said, trying not to think about the fact that she was the last woman Cole would be interested in sexually. “I wish he was more friendly. He barely talks to me, and when he does, I feel that he’s judging me, or waiting for me to mess up.”
    “Are you surprised?”
    “I guess not. This is where I admit I’d imagined him welcoming me back with open arms. Stupid, huh?”
    “It’s never stupid to dream, kiddo. We all do that. We can’t help it. But Cole isn’t exactly the forgiving kind. Even though he deserved what he got, you were the one to walk out on him.”
    “I know. Sometimes I think I acted hastily. Maybe I should have—” She shook her head. “I don’t know. Who am I kidding? If he’d cared about me, he would have come after me, right?”
    “Life isn’t that simple.” Fallon’s voice deepened with concern. “I wish I was there to give you a hug.”
    “Thanks. But I have to do this one on my own.”
    “You never said why you went back. I know you’re there to see Cole, but is this about reconciliation or making sure the relationship is over?”
    Elissa opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling. “I’m not sure. Either, I suppose. It’s been long enough for us to figure it out. It’s so strange. I thought seeing him would be enough to let me know what I’m supposed to do, but it isn’t. There are still things about him I admire. And things that drive me crazy.”
    “Be careful,” Fallon warned. “Cole nearly destroyed you last time. Do you remember how you were when you came home from New York? I’ve never seen you that unhappy before or since.”
    Her sisters had never asked for details about that time in her life, and Elissa hadn’t volunteered the information. At first she’d been too hurt and humiliated. Later, she wasn’t sure she would come out on the victorious side of the telling. What had seemed so cruel and insensitive at the time didn’t seem quite so bad in hindsight. Had Cole been the ogre she’d always thought, had she been a child, or did reality lie somewhere in between?
    “How’s the brat?” Elissa asked, changing the subject.
    “Kayla’s still annoyingly blissful. She can barely mention her new husband’s name without bursting into song. What I can’t figure out is if he’s so darn wonderful, why did she take so long to realize it? She’d worked for him for years.”
    “Gee, Fallon, we can’t all be as logical as you are when it comes to matters of the heart. Sometimes the rest of us just wing it.”
    “That’s pretty risky. Remember what happened the last time you did that. Maybe it would be better to be cautious.”
    “Agreed,” Elissa said, remembering a love so hot it had burned itself out. She knew; she had the burn scars to prove it.

Chapter Four
    C ole left the administration building and headed for the main dormitory. Before he reached his destination, he heard a low rumble that shook the ground. He turned toward the sound and watched as an enclosed 18-wheeler slowed, then stopped in the driveway.
    He stared at the vehicle. Millie kept him informed of deliveries, and she hadn’t said anything that morning. It wasn’t like her to forget.
    He walked toward the truck, meeting the driver halfway. The long-haired young man smiled engagingly. “You Cole Stephenson?”
    Cole nodded.
    “Cool. Sign here and we’ll start unloading.”
    Cole glanced at the computer printout detailing the delivery. It seemed to be a list of sports equipment. “I didn’t order this.”
    The younger man shrugged. “Somebody did. Hey, it’s paid for. My job is to unload. I guess yours is going to be finding out who sent it to you. Maybe Christmas in