Homeless Heart Read Online Free PDF Page A

in his chair, tipping back to gaze out the window. The mountainside was beginning to transition, dotting the landscape with brilliant color.
    The summer had been terrible, stifled with Nina’s family, followed by a visit down to see his parents in Key West. Drake had surrounded himself with personalities that did nothing but drain him. Tonight that would all change. He’d asked Nina to meet him at the condo.
    He’d have a few drinks with her and then drop the bomb. Things with Kelly hadn’t gone according to plan, but he’d try again. There was something brewing. It was only a feeling, but this time Drake was going to listen to his gut. He’d already paid the price dearly for ignoring it in the past.
     
    * * * *
     
    Drake walked in the door through the garage entrance and took off his jacket, loosening his tie. Hearing a car door slam had his eyes darting to the window. Like clockwork, Nina wasn’t far behind him, always punctual.
    Drake poured two scotches. He downed his and poured another, leaving Nina’s on the small bar that sat in the corner of his living room. He took a deep breath, trying to exhale all the tension that’d had his stomach tight and twisted all day.
    Drake strolled across the glossy, hardwood floor and waited by the door. He gazed around the room, seeing all that he had. Anybody else would probably be thrilled, but fancy objects never met the needs of the heart. He’d been lucky in having the opportunity to learn that. It was ironic that Nina had been the one to show him.
    Black leather furniture shined in the low track lighting. The glass-topped coffee and end tables held all the trinkets that Nina would bring back for him every time she and her parents went traveling. A flat-screen with surround sound was mounted on the far wall. Drake leaned on the edge of the foyer’s threshold, exhausted at what lay ahead. An intrusive knocking got his mind back to where it needed to be. Drake relented and opened the door.
    “Hi, baby,” Nina cooed, blowing by him, making her entrance into the spacious living room as if there was an audience. “I see you have a drink for me, ready and waiting.” She lifted the glass to her lips as she spun around to face him. Her dark, beady eyes narrowed at him over the rim. Drake slammed the door shut with his foot and sauntered into the room, standing on the multicolored area rug. His feet were cold already.
    “How was your day?” she asked before quickly rushing onto the next item on her list. “Daddy wanted me to tell you that he’s planning a golf—”
    Drake lifted a hand, halting her pitch. “I have something to discuss with you.” His tone was firm.
    Nina’s brows lifted. Her eyes fixed on his as she slowly put her drink down. “What’s wrong? Did something happen at the office?” she asked, closing the space between them.
    “Things at the office are fine.” Drake downed his second drink. His teeth caught his lower lip as his insides absorbed the burn of the liquor. “This is about us,” he announced.
    Nina’s entire body went stiff, her back up like a defensive cat. “What are you talking about?” Her facial expression tightened.
    “I’m talking about you and me,” Drake told her, his tone hardening. “I’m no longer feeling any type of fulfillment from this relationship, and I want out,” he said, lifting his hands.
    Her eyes lowered into seething slits, suspicion coating her features. “When did you come to this conclusion?” Nina asked, her hand on her hip.
    “Cut the theatrics, Nina. I’m just not feeling it anymore. We’re too different, we don’t connect on the same plane,” Drake explained. His reasons spewed from his mouth like a poison he couldn’t wait to purge himself of.
    “We were supposed to get married,” Nina whined. Her face creased, becoming lined with an age she hadn’t reached.
    Drake shook his head. “I’m sorry, Nina. Marrying you is something I just can’t do,” Drake admitted, his voice thick.