Nothing she said could get a reaction from Zane, who just kept walking, never once looking back.

A sidelong glance at him told Hadley just how troubled he was. His expression darkened with each step.

Quietly, she leaned over and spoke. “If you need to handle things with her, go ahead. You don’t have to worry about me.”

Something about the situation made it clear—there was more between Zane and that woman than she knew.

“No. That’s not necessary,” Zane said, shaking his head.

They soon reached the front doors of the restaurant, finally leaving the confrontation behind.

“Sorry for all that.” Zane offered her a sheepish smile. “I probably embarrassed you just now. You got caught up in my mess.”

Almost as an afterthought, he added, “That was my ex-wife.”

The revelation hit Hadley like a sudden gust of wind.

Everything made sense now. She had sensed there was history between them. However, Colleen had once told her that Zane’s ex-wife had moved overseas with their daughter after the divorce.

“She came back for the summer.” As if sensing her unspoken question, Zane spoke up. “Vivian—our daughter—is visiting her grandparents in Srixby.”

“Got it.” Hadley gave a small nod.

This was his private life, and she didn’t feel it was her place to intrude. For now, she simply listened.

“I’m sorry.” A moment passed before Zane apologized once again. “Since the divorce, she’s always talked to me like that. She never speaks nicely.” Yet she had been the one who destroyed their relationship.

Zane let out a tired sigh. “I try to ignore her now. Giving her a reaction only encourages her.”

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Hadley smiled gently. “Honestly, it’s no trouble.” She meant it.

Still…

“Regarding what she brought up a while ago…” Zane looked away, uncertain. Clearly, this wasn’t how he wanted Hadley to learn about his feelings. His ex’s unexpected comment had thrown him off balance.

“It doesn’t matter.” With a small laugh, Hadley shook her head. “You don’t have to explain. She just got the wrong idea. I didn’t take her words seriously, so please don’t feel embarrassed.”

The words seemed to catch Zane off guard. Had she just turned him down? Or was she truly oblivious?

They stood together, waiting at the curb for their cars to arrive. Hadley’s ride pulled up first. She offered a gentle farewell. “My car’s here. I should head out…”

“Hold on!” Zane stepped forward abruptly.

Startled, Hadley paused and glanced up at him, unsure what had prompted his urgency.

“Hadley…” Zane hadn’t planned to blurt it out, but the words tumbled out before he could stop them. Now that he had started, he had no choice but to finish.

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