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had just—“
    “Had a drink? My father was often drunk when he beat me.”
    “I think your father was a monster and I know you aren’t. You would never really hurt me.”
    He compressed his lips. “Well, that’s where you’re wrong. Because what I’m about to do will probably hurt quite a bit.”
    She gazed at him in shock.
    “Because right now I’m telling you that we’re through. I realized that I’m not really in love with you.” He paced across the room. “I haven’t had a lot of affection or love in my life, and when you showed me so much love,”—he shrugged—“I cherished it. Then when I lost it, I realized I couldn’t bear my life without it.” He patted his chest. “It filled a hole deep in here. But I realize, now, that it wasn’t love. Let’s face it. Neither of us really knew each other. You only knew a small part of who I am. And I had no idea that you liked to be dominated in the bedroom. And don’t tell me it’s not important to you because I know it is. But it makes us … incompatible.” He sighed. “I don’t want to hurt you. But just like last time, if I don’t take action now, it’ll only hurt more when we finally both discover that we’re just not right for each other.”
    He took her hand, his heart aching at the tears swelling in her eyes. “Besides, I know that you love Dane.”
    Anger flashed in her eyes, and she tugged her hand free. “No, I don’t.” She glared at him. “If you want to break up with me, at least be man enough to do it without trying to look like you’re doing me a favor. You don’t love me. I get it.”
    She turned and strode toward the entrance.
    “Jess, wait.”
    But she disappeared out the door. Damn, that hadn’t gone well.
    *   *   *
    Jessica marched through the lobby and the doorman pulled open the door for her.
    “Ms. Long,” he said as she exited the building, “Mr. Ranier called down and asked me to arrange a ride for you. His limo is waiting just over there.”
    She glanced to where he pointed to see the familiar long, black car. It had only taken her five minutes to get down here. Did this guy just drive around waiting for one of the Ranier brothers to call?
    The driver opened the door for her and she hesitated only a moment before she got in.
    “I’m heading home,” she said.
    He knew the address. She settled into the comfortable seat as the car moved into traffic, then her tears started to flow. She’d been rejected by two men today. Both of whom had proclaimed their love in the past. And she had no job. Her closest friend had shut her out. Her whole life was crumbling around her.
    When they arrived at her apartment, the driver opened her door, then hurried ahead of her and opened the door to the building.
    “Thank you,” she said, aware of her tearstained cheeks.
    He nodded. “Of course, Ms. Long.”
    The compassion of his warm smile boosted her spirits a little and she walked to the elevator. She sucked in a breath as she rode upstairs, trying to regain her composure. Melanie had been fired today and now was the time to focus on getting her friend to open up so she could help her, not wallowing in her own problems.
    She opened the door to their apartment, not sure what to expect on the other side. Certainly not what she saw. Melanie sat on the couch with nail polishes laid out on the table in front of her, mostly in bright, fluorescent colors. She had her nails partially painted with three vertical stripes of different colors and she was currently using a striping brush to add a vivid orange stripe to each nail.
    “Just Give Me a Reason” by Pink was playing in the background. The phrase “nothing is as bad as it seems” echoed through their cozy little apartment and boosted her spirits the slightest bit.
    Melanie glanced up. “Oh, hi. You’re home early.”
    Jessica did not want to explain that she’d quit. Not yet.
    “I wanted to check on you.”
    On the end table beside Melanie was a tall glass of