Chapter 123

“Well…” She took it and gave him a firm shake. “For Michelle’s sake.”

“Good.”

“But stay away from me.”

He smiled into her eyes and watched her pupils darken and dilate. He hadn’t let go of her hand yet, and she hadn’t pulled hers away. He had the distinct impression that she wanted him to stay away from her exactly as much as he did.

***

Candace poured Comet onto a green scouring pad and went at the white porcelain sink as if she were training for the Olympic scrubbing team. Her life had been peaceful and calm for a long time. Moving to Drakoria had been a huge upheaval, but the subsequent six years, once she settled in, had been rewarding and enriching. She’d met Sam when his sink backed up and she surprised him by being the one who showed up to fix it. Their friendship had proceeded slowly and naturally into romance. She’d made other friends in the building, at her gym and book group, and enjoyed an active social life. Drakoria had provided plenty of