She nodded in affirmation, but he could see the questions. Questions he did not want to answer.
But she would find out sooner or later.
When she did, how would she react?
And why did he have to care?
WHEN LUKE’S UBERpulled away, Faith closed the door and turned to help Hope clean up.
“What was that about?” Hope set her coffee cup on the kitchen counter. “Luke’s fun, but he knows how to shut down a party.”
Faith had noticed too. “My guess is that he’s lost someone to suicide and he’s more sensitive to it than maybe even he realizes.”
Hope flashed a mischievous grin. “Maybe he needs someone to comfort him. If Mom had known about Luke, I bet she wouldn’t have bothered with that dating profile.”
“Hush.”
“Why? You like him. He likes you. It’s obvious.”
“You’re delusional.”
“I am not. I think God knew you’d never go looking for a man, so he dropped a very nice one right in front of you.” Hope waggled her eyebrows. “You can’t tell me you don’t find him attractive.”
“Of course I find him attractive. So do you. Why don’t you ask him out?”
Hope smirked. “Not my type.”
“He’s totally your type. You two hit it off—”
“He’s the brother type for me. Not the lover type.”
“There’s a man for you, Hope. Why not Luke?”
Hope patted her arm. “Because he’s already yours.”
“Quit saying that. I’m not—”
“I know you’re not going to lie to me. You promised.”
Faith had. When their world fell apart and it felt like they were the only two people who could be trusted, she had promised. They both had. No lies. No holding back the truth. Faith was the one who told Hope about their dad’s affair. Hope was the one who told Faith their dad was getting remarried. They were a team. Bound by blood and tragedy and, perhaps even more importantly, choice.
Faith flopped into a chair. “He’s a good guy, and I am attracted to him. But it feels like every time we start making progress toward a real friendship, relationship, whatever, he throws up a wall.”
“Then it’s lucky you aren’t scared of heights.” Hope laughed at her own joke.
“You’re impossible.”
“You’re awfully defensive.” Hope’s grin turned into something more speculative. “You aren’t afraid of anything. Never have been. Why not go after him?”
“I can’t. Not right now.”
“Please.”
“I’m working a case—”
“What’s the problem?”
Arguing with Hope had never been an easy thing to do. It was particularly difficult when she was right. “I’ll think about it.”
