Ace poured the protein shake into a glass, then put the blender in the sink and ran water in it. He took a swig of the shake, hardly tasting it. Something was wrong. Ace could feel it. For the past two days, Silver had been distant. At first, he hadn’t noticed because he’d been too preoccupied with problems over the restaurant. Things had gone from bad to worse in a matter of a few hours. News of the lawsuit somehow got leaked, and the news media outlets were having a heyday with it, especially considering he was an NFL player. Ace’s parents were distraught to the point of concern for their health. He tried to tell them that even if the restaurant went belly-up, he’d take care of them, help them start a new restaurant. But the problem ran deeper than that. The restaurant symbolized their hard work and making something from nothing in this country. Ace’s parents felt their integrity was being questioned—their good name ripped away. Plus, there was concern over the lawsuit being exorbitant and drawn-out because Ace had money. He was worried about that aspect, although he’d tried hard not to convey that to his mom and dad. No sense adding to their stress.

Ace blew out a weary breath, running a hand through his hair. He’d invested, tried to be a good steward over his earnings, but he wouldn’t continue to earn millions each year. The average career for a running back in the NFL was two and a half years. He was going into his fourth year—already living on borrowed time. He stayed on a regimented training schedule to keep himself in top physical condition, but he couldn’t keep performing at an optimum level forever, and there was always the risk of an injury. One wrong hit could put him down for the count, and then where would he be? He brushed off the negative thoughts, realizing worry wouldn’t help the situation.

He looked over at the kitchen table where Silver was sitting, her face illuminated by the glow from her computer screen. She looked as haggard as Ace felt. Her eyes were sunken and hollow like she hadn’t been sleeping well, the faint lines around her eyes and mouth more pronounced. His stomach knotted. Something had changed. He kept asking Silver if she was okay, and she’d answer with a wan smile that she was just tired. She’d still hold his hand and respond to his kisses, but he had to initiate the physical contact. She was here in body, but her mind was elsewhere.

He walked over and sat down beside her. “How’s it going?”

She offered a slight smile. “Okay, just getting caught up on some work.”

He nodded, taking a drink of his shake. “How did Gracie do at bedtime tonight?”

Instead of answering, she kept staring at her screen.

“Silver?”

“Hmm?”

She didn’t even look at him, but kept her eyes glued to the screen. She hadn’t heard a word he said. This time, he touched her arm. “Hey?”

She jerked as if coming out of a daze. Then she shook her head. “I’m sorry, did you say something? I’m trying to sort through a problem with a caterer.”

“I asked how Gracie did at bedtime.”

“She did okay. You know how hard it is to get her in bed.”

Ace tensed, irritation trickling over him. “I know, that’s why I was asking.” Why was Silver acting this way? He certainly had his share of problems and could still make time for her. Why couldn’t she do the same?

She shrugged. “Gracie did as well as she always does, I suppose.” She turned her attention back to her computer.

Ace touched her arm. “What’s wrong?”

Silver sighed. “I told you, I’m having trouble with the caterer. We’ve had this luncheon booked for a month, and now the caterer’s telling us she accidentally scheduled two events for the same date and wants to cancel.”

He tightened his hold on his glass, the cold from it seeping into his bones and going straight to his heart. “I’m not talking about your business. I’m asking what’s wrong between us?”

She jerked, her mouth going slack.

“Look at me.” For a second he thought she might refuse, but reluctantly, she met his gaze. He searched her beautiful eyes, trying to discern her secrets. “I know something’s wrong. I can feel it.” He caught hold of her arm. “Tell me what it is.”

For an instant, her guard seemed to drop and he thought she might be forthcoming with him. Then she forced a smile so fake it looked like her face might break in the process. “I’m fine. How are things going with the restaurant? How are your parents holding up?” Her tone went soft, and he saw the compassion in her eyes.

She was changing the subject so she wouldn’t have to talk about herself. He almost called her out on it, but didn’t want to start a fight. “They’re hanging in there, but it’s tough.”

She nodded. “Does the woman who’s suing have a legitimate claim, or is someone else pulling the strings?”

“No one knows. My attorney is handling it. He mentioned hiring an investigator to look into it.”

She bit her lower lip. “That’s probably a good idea.”

Early on, when Ace first got the call and was rushing out the door to check on his parents, Silver questioned if Dinah was behind the lawsuit, but that seemed farfetched to Ace—more of a Silver’s fears being manifested kind of thing.

“I’m really sorry you’re having to go through this,” she said, her eyes softening around the edges. For a moment, it was like the old Silver was returning.

He held her gaze. “Thanks.” He brushed a lock of her hair, leaning closer. “Maybe we should take a dip in the pool. Blow off a little steam. Whaddaya say?”

The longing in her eyes evoked a slow-burn in his stomach, and he felt like she was coming back to him. But then she seemed to catch herself, a film of deadness coming over her eyes. “I wish I could,” she said mechanically. “But I have a busy day tomorrow. I’d better go to bed.” She closed her laptop and stood. “Goodnight.”

He sprang to his feet, not willing to let her go without a fight. “Silver,” he uttered, touching her arm. “Don’t shut me out.”

She looked down at the floor.

He trailed a finger along her jaw. Then he traced the delicate outline of her soft lips. “You are so beautiful.” He leaned in and kissed her neck. In the process, her hair brushed against him and he caught a whiff of her strawberry shampoo, mingled with the essence of her scent. He slid his arms around her waist, pulling her close as he searched her crystal eyes. What was he seeing? Regret? Pain? But it was mixed with the spark of the same desire that wicked through him. “I love you,” he murmured, his lips claiming hers. The kiss was achingly tender as his lips moved lightly over hers, trying to pull out the hurt and doubt. But then the fierce need for her took over as he deepened the kiss. Her mouth parted in acceptance as she gave herself to him in the same way he was giving himself to her. All of Ace’s reservations melted away, and he felt the rejoining of the strong bond he and Silver shared. He ran his hands up her back, then through her hair, marveling how it slipped like silk through his fingers.

When the kiss was over, he rested his forehead against hers, holding her tightly. “That was incredible.”

“Yes, it was.” She drew back, scoping his face as if she were memorizing every detail. A smile tipped her lips. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For being you … for loving me.”

He chuckled. “You don’t have to thank me for that.” Something about the direction this conversation was taking was unsettling. He frowned. “Are you okay?”

She smiled. “I’m great, now that I’m here with you.”

He relaxed. Maybe he was overthinking things. Silver was here, in his arms. Sure, they still had obstacles to overcome, but they’d take it one step at a time. He searched her face. “So, are you up for that swim?”

“I’d love to, actually, but I really do need to get some rest. I’m feeling pretty worn-out.”

“I hope you’re not getting sick.” Maybe that’s what this was about. They’d been going nonstop. Silver needed to rest.

“Yeah, me too,” Silver admitted.

He cupped her hands with his and brought them to his lips where he planted a tender kiss. “Okay, I’ll let you get some rest. I was thinking I’d like to take you and Gracie to Fossil Rim tomorrow in Glen Rose.”

“Is that the safari place where you drive in and the animals come up to your car?”

“Yes, and you can even feed them. Gracie will love that.”

Silver smiled, but there seemed to be a hint of sadness to it. “Yes, she will. That sounds great.” She gave him a peck on the lips. “Good night.” She stepped away and picked up her laptop. As he watched her walk across the room, he wasn’t sure what to think of her mixed behavior. When she reached the hall, she paused and looked back over her shoulder. “Just so you know, for the record, I love you too.” With that, she hurried away.

* * *

The next morning, Ace worked out his frustrations over the lawsuit with a long, hard workout. Normally, Silver came out by the pool while he swam. But this morning, he’d not heard a peep from her. He went into the kitchen and got a drink of water, trying to get rehydrated. Next, he’d shower and get dressed for the day. Silver’s door was closed. He walked up to it and listened. Not a sound. He tried the door handle. It was unlocked. Did he dare look in and check on her? He didn’t want to intrude on her privacy. Maybe he’d better wait. He took a few steps away, then changed his mind. Ever so carefully, he turned the doorknob and peeked in. His eyes popped, not believing what he was seeing. He gulped. Silver and Gracie were gone. The bed was made, the room tidy, like they’d never been there. His pulse began to pound when he saw the a-frame card standing in the center of the bed. He rushed over and picked it up. The outside was blank. He looked inside, his fist going to his mouth as he read the two words.

I’m sorry.