Chapter 44

• Haven balanced his collar before the mirror , his eyes following the commonplace reflection that gazed back at him. The man he saw was dressed in his best shirt, hair flawlessly combed, a slight smile pulling at his lips. He felt a hitch of uneasiness in his stomach, a mix of trust and fear. Today was their third date this month, and he needed everything to be right. He knew he had a chance to demonstrate; he had a part to make up for.
• When he came to Alexis's loft, she was waiting by the door, her eyes filtering the street as if she was looking out for something—or somebody. She wore a basic dress, nothing as extravagant, and her smile when she saw him was courteous but missing the warmth it once had.
• Haven's heart sank a little, but he shook off the feeling. He had to keep trying. "Hello, you," he welcomed, venturing out of the car and walking up to her. He inclined in for a kiss, but Alexis turned her head marginally, advertising him her cheek instead. The brief contact was sufficient to form his kiss.