Twist of Fate Read Online Free PDF Page B

it seem familiar? She’d been living here with her husband, yet she couldn’t even remember the color of the kitchen walls. How many bedrooms were there? Was there carpet or hardwoods? What would she find behind those large, double doors?
    A pent up breath found its release a bit more sudden than she intended.
    Sam’s voice was soft and full of concern when it found its way through her thoughts. “Are you all right?”
    “I’m fine.” She hoped she sounded convincing. “I hate this feeling like I’m a stranger. I’ll be glad when my head is on straight. I want my life back.”
    When Sam put the truck in park his hands froze on the steering wheel. She wondered if he sensed her hesitation. She didn’t mean for it to be there, but no matter how hard she tried, it just wouldn’t go away. The silence weighed heavy between them as they sat there. Why wasn’t he saying anything? Her nerves prickled beneath her skin. Again, her mind rallied for something...anything.
    “Nice house.” No sooner were the words out than she groaned.
    “What?” He looked confused, as if she’d pulled him from a memory…or something complicated.
    “Oh, nothing, you seem worried. Is everything all right?” Her hand reached tentatively for his. When his hands remained tight on the wheel, she returned hers to her lap. Why wouldn’t he look at her?
    Blood pounded in her ears as a nagging wave of fear, like something dreadful was about to happen--or had happened--shook through her. Her gaze settled on his profile. She battled the butterflies somersaulting in her stomach and willed him to speak, practically jumping out of the seat when his deep voice finally broke the silence.
    “Damn it.” He rubbed his forehead while words found freedom and tumbled out in the air around them. “I was so scared, Kate. It all happened so fast, ya know? I thought for sure I’d lost you.” He white-knuckled the wheel as though he were holding on for dear life. When he pinched his eyes shut, the butterflies in her stomach fluttered to her heart.
    Her own voice quivered into the stillness of the truck. “You didn’t lose me. I’m right here, right now.” She swallowed back tears she suddenly had no control over. “Forever.”
    That one word hit its mark as his head slowly turned and their eyes met. Those deep blue irises that reminded her of cracked glass appeared to be troubled and she could see he was fighting some kind of internal battle. Her own breathing stopped until he spoke again.
    “One minute you were there in my arms, and the next you’re unconscious, bruised, bloody, I didn’t know what else to do. I did what I thought was best. I don’t, I didn’t, want to lose you.” He stopped looking at her and re-focused on the dash. “Now that we’re at the house, I don’t know if--” She saw his Adam’s apple bob when he swallowed hard. Whatever he was about to say fought for release. “There’s something you need to know. I only hope you can forgive me.”
    His face held so much sorrow she wanted to kiss him, hoping to make him feel better. What could have happened that required her forgiveness? A sharp twinge in her temple gave her the connection. At her sudden intake of breath, he reached for her hands, looking distressed.
    “Kate, I’m--”
    “The Jag,” she breathed, finally figuring it out.
    “What?”
    “That’s it, isn’t it?” The pain subsided to a dull ache before easing completely.
    “What’s it?” He tilted his head, still not following her.
    “The Jaguar, it was totaled wasn’t it? That’s what you have to tell me, right?” How could she not have known?
    He seemed to fumble for the words as he scrutinized the interior of the truck.  “Uh, yeah, the Jag.”
    “Why would I have to forgive you? You had nothing to do with it. I was behind the wheel. I’m the one who wrecked the car.”
    “Umm, well...I know how much you loved that car.” Sam flicked at the keys still hanging from the ignition. “I, uh,