Read Be My Hero for Free Online

car park without any further comment.
    â€œDrop me off at Mum’s, please. I need to collect my car.” She kept her eyes fixed on the windscreen in front of her. She didn’t trust herself to look at him.
    â€œOkay. Tali, I wish I could make things right between us.”
    â€œWe’re friends again now, aren’t we?” She ignored the faint plea she thought she’d heard in his voice.
    Silence hung heavy in the air for a moment before he answered her. “Friends? Yes, I suppose so.” He drew the car to a halt outside her parents’ home.
    She blinked hard to keep back tears. “Friends it is, then.”
    Evan clicked on the interior light, surprising her. She squeezed her eyes shut tight for a second against the harsh yellow glare that filled the car.
    â€œAre you all right, Tali?” He sounded concerned.
    â€œI’m fine. The light was a bit bright, that’s all.” She opened her eyes and forced a smile.
    â€œI’m sorry. I should have warned you.” Evan studied her face, and she longed to close her eyes again, afraid of what he might read there.
    â€œWell, I guess I’d better be going. Monday mornings are always busy at the shop. You know, people returning hire stuff.” She stopped talking, aware that her nerves had made her babble. She glanced toward her parents’ house and wondered if they’d heard the car.
    â€œI know this is going to sound cheeky, but I’d hoped to ask you a favour.” Evan’s dark blue gaze was fixed on her face, pinning her to her seat.
    Nathalie’s heart thumped. “What kind of favour?” She hoped she didn’t sound too breathless.
    He sighed and looked away from her. “You know Polly and I are house hunting? We viewed some places today and to be honest, I really could use a woman’s perspective.”
    â€œWhy?” Nathalie knew she sounded blunt, but she had to protect herself. Getting closer to Evan would mean getting hurt all over again. She wasn’t sure if viewing houses with him would be a good idea.
    â€œI’m okay looking at the structure, but imagining what it would be like decorated and if it’s suitable for Polly is pretty tricky. Plus, at every viewing today, I got asked where my wife was and if she would be coming to view the house too.” He turned to face her again, a hopeful look on his face.
    â€œWell, I—”
    â€œPlease, Tali?”
    â€œOkay, I suppose I could come.” The words were out of her mouth before she could stop herself.
    â€œI have some more appointments on Wednesday.”
    â€œThat would be fine as it’s my closing day, but I already have something on in the morning. I’ll be free after eleven.” She had almost told him about her hospital appointment that morning, but she bit the words back just in time.
    â€œI think they’re all afternoon bookings. I really appreciate this, Nathalie.”
    â€œWhat else are friends for?” she replied and turned to open the car door.
    â€œWait!” She felt the gentle pressure of his fingers on the sleeve of her coat. “I don’t have your address.”
    Nathalie fumbled for her bag, struggling to ignore her body’s response to Evan’s casual touch. Being close to him was like being a diabetic in a sweet shop — she craved the sugar even though she knew it could kill her.
    â€œHere.” She scribbled her address and phone number on the back of one of her business cards. “Pick me up at lunch time.”
    He tucked the card securely inside his jacket pocket. “'Til Wednesday,” he said, and he leaned forward to kiss her on the cheek.
    Nathalie slid from her seat. Her knees shook as she forced herself to appear calm and collected. She walked over to her car, unlocked the door, and waved to Evan as a sign that he could leave. Once she was secure inside her car with her engine started, she watched his Jeep pull away