Ashes of Our Affection
I sighed inwardly and answered firmly, "Yes. Mr. Hartness, please leave. Stop disturbing us."
Whether it was the distant way I addressed him or my admission that I didn't love him anymore and had fallen for someone else, it was all a heavy blow to Cole. He staggered away, looking like his soul had been sucked out of him.
I gave Timothy an awkward smile. After some hesitation, I explained, "Cole is… a bit hard to shake off. I only said all that to make him give up. I hope you don't mind, Mr. Greer."
He waved it off as if it were nothing, his eyes full of amusement. "It's fine. It's a pleasure to meet you, Isabel. I think we could be friends."