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    “I owe you another apology,” he said quietly. Whatever her past, he was no one’s judge and didn’t want to be. “I had no right to attack your character.”
    A few moments passed while she seemed to grapple with acceptance of his words. When she decided he’d meant what he said, the stiffness drained from her shoulders. “Just so you know, I don’t sleep with married men.”
    “I believe you.”
    “Then you’re forgiven.”
    That easily? “Someone’s got to teach you how to hold on to a good grudge, honey,” he teased.
    What the hell. Me? Teasing?
    Her eyes twinkled up at him, the glow at last returning to her cheeks. “Everyone makes mistakes.”
    Yes, but he seemed to make more than most. One of his had cost his brother his life. His hand inched upward, toward his cheek, to the scars countless surgeries had made more aesthetically pleasing.
    When he realized what he was doing, he scowled. “We’re going to be family,” he said. “I’d like us to be friends.”
    “Friends?” The word was little more than a whisper.
    “Yes.”
    “Friends spend time together.” Her gaze slid over him the way his had slid over her when they’d stood inside the library, and he noticed the way her pulse jumped in her neck. How a tremor moved through her, rocking her on her feet.
    Was she...attracted to him?
    His body responded to the idea, hardening.
    “I—” Whatever she’d intended to say, she changed her mind. “Sure.” She nodded. “That’d be nice.”
    “Nice,” he parroted, when suddenly friendship sounded anything but.
    Roanne and Courtney appeared arm in arm at his side.
    “
What
are you wearing?” Roanne demanded of Kenna, who went pale again.
    Both females were in designer dresses with heels so tall he was surprised they weren’t mistaken for stilts.
    Courtney went on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek, and he jolted away, avoiding contact. She stiffened, and he knew he’d embarrassed her, but he’d already explained to her, to every woman he’d ever dated, that his face was off-limits, even in bed.
    “
Could
you embarrass me more?” Roanne said on a sigh, still focused on her daughter.
    Kenna flinched before squaring her shoulders. “Yes, I could,” she said. “Would you like me to show you how?”
    Dane hid a grin. “I think she’s perfect just the way she is.”
    She gazed at him with surprised gratefulness. “Really? I mean, thank you. Friend.”
    He gritted his teeth.
    “I agree. I think you look lovely,” Courtney said, kind as usual. “But perhaps you’d like to borrow my wrap?” She offered the last for Roanne’s benefit, revealing an aspect of her character he did not like. She was someone who would never pick a side or fight for what she believed in.
    He’d be ending things tonight.
    “Thank you, but no.” Kenna raised her chin. “I’m perfect.”
    The action...he’d seen it before, when they were in the library together...a habit, he realized. When she was being judged—and had to steel herself against hurt? Just how often had it happened in her short life?
    An-n-nd, his chest started aching all over again.
    “I agree about the perfect thing.” West appeared at Kenna’s side and wrapped his arm around her waist.
    Dane pressed his tongue against the roof of his mouth to stop himself from speaking. No telling what he’d say.
    “But—” Roanne began.
    “Leave the girl alone, Roanne. She’s as pretty as a picture,” Thomas said, astonishing Dane. His father moved to the entrance of the dining room. “The food is ready, and I’m a starving man. Come on, now, everyone.”
    The others joined him, while Dane hung back. Kenna was the only one to notice. She offered him a nod of encouragement.
    The last time he’d sat at that dining table, Daniel had been alive, and his parents had been in love. He’d been part of a happy family.
    As the door to the past opened, memories swamped him.
    Don’t go there.
    Too late.
    I want to skate on the pond, Dane.
    It’s