Chapter 40

“Damn, Mel. First off, for all I know he’s married and his wife tends the garden while he’s out looking for deer or what have you. Or he’s single, straight, and happily so. Living a life he loves with no entanglements.”

“I’m sure you’ll find out while you have him in your studio.” She took a bite of her dessert then pointed her finger at him. “You need to find a new man before you turn into a hermit.”

“Not happening.”

“Finding someone or being a hermit?”

“Both. I can’t be a hermit with you living so close.” He winked at her. “And I’m not looking. Two bad relationships are enough. I don’t think I’m meant to have anyone.”

Mellie reached across the table to pat his hand. “You’ll find the right man. You’re too cute, and too nice, not to.”

“Thank you for that. But then you have to say it. You’re my sister.”

She rolled her eyes, and the conversation moved on to other things before she told him she had to get back to work.

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