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why you don’t want to marry?”
    This was the part she hated. People always asked whyshe didn’t date, why she didn’t want a husband and children. It wasn’t something she cared to discuss, yet everyone seemed to think she owed an explanation. She never gave one. God alone knew how her young heart had been shattered. Everyone else could speculate all they wanted.
    â€œI prefer not to talk about it,” she said slowly, “but I am resolved. And to be honest, I have mixed feelings about being here with you. Since I’m not interested in romance I’ve made it a rule never to go out with men. This is the first exception I’ve made in almost seven years.”
    He raised an eyebrow. “You’re against a little harmless fun?”
    She regarded him thoughtfully. “What if I went out with a man and he began to love me? My ‘harmless fun’ could end up hurting someone. Don’t you see?”
    One corner of Charles’s mouth turned up. “Well, don’t worry. As charming as you are, there’s absolutely no danger of my falling in love with you. So we can be friends, can’t we?”
    Hope lightly caressed one of the red roses. “I’d like that. But you said… How did you put it?” She looked up, meeting his eyes. “That a friendship with me would take more energy than you’re willing to expend?”
    He pursed his lips, appearing to consider his earlier statement. “Hmm. Well, perhaps I could exert myself a little. ”
    She grinned at him, delighted by the quirk of his mouth that told her he was trying not to smile. “It might be worth your while,” she said eagerly. “I’m really good at friendship.”
    His almost-smile died instantly. “I can’t say the same, Hope. Maybe you shouldn’t waste your time.”
    â€œWaste my time?” she echoed faintly.
    â€œI don’t really care about people,” he said matter-of-factly. He rapped his chest with a fist. “Heart of stone.”
    Hope’s eyes widened. Did he honestly believe that? He was a doctor, wasn’t he? Of course he cared about people. She shook her head. “Nonsense. You gave me parking money.”
    His eyes held hers easily. “It was an impulse, that’s all. I’m not a kind man.”
    She stood her ground. “Nonsense,” she said again, more firmly this time.
    â€œI mean it. There’s no ‘niceness’ in me. I am incapable of love.”
    His uncompromising words and his earnest, unwavering gaze shocked her. Nervously, she fingered her mother’s pearls. “What about your family?”
    â€œI don’t care much for my parents. My grandfather is okay, but we’re not particularly close. I feel affection for my brother, but sometimes he gets on my nerves. Honestly, I’ve never loved anyone.”
    A plateful of steamed mussels was set before her but suddenly Hope had no appetite. “What about God?” she persisted when the waiter had gone.
    Charles’s lips parted and for several seconds he stared at her without speaking. “I would very much like to believe in something or someone. I wish I knew how. But nothing touches me.”
    Hope shivered. Never in her life had she heard anyone utter such a bleak sentiment. Speechless with pity, she could only stare at him as tears gathered in her eyes.
    â€œDon’t take it to heart, kid,” he said with a gentleness she never would have expected from him. “It’s nothing I can’t live with.”
    As she continued to study his face, something in it changed. It was as though he had suddenly become awarethat he’d inadvertently left a door ajar, and now that door was carefully closed.
    â€œTry your mussels,” he suggested. “They’re good here—lots of garlic.”
    Hope looked at her plate, blinking furiously to hold her tears at bay. This poor man was wandering alone in