Chapter 53

*** Solana ***

For a moment, Solana leaned on the car behind her for support and allowed herself to stare at Phil's retreating figure. 

I can't endure this.

But Mark's urgent words when he kissed her this afternoon was a persistent, lingering whisper in her mind. 

Except the thought that came after that always renewed her irritation - the dreaded apology. 

She took a deep breath, inhaling the cool night air to lessen the effect of that thought. 

The smell of rain was everywhere. Glancing up at the sky, she concluded that there wouldn't be any rain tonight because of the stars shining brilliantly above. Vaguely, she observed Phil's car driving out of Lovelane before tearing her gaze away and returning indoors with slow, lazy steps. 

She sucked in air as she passed the lobby, taking in its welcoming Lavender air-freshener. 

When she reached the edge of the staircase, she stopped to analyse the feel