CHAPTER 80

She really had to put a lid on her overactive imagination. Karla needed support. Not validation for her suspicions.

With a grimace, Ken rose, glancing down the table at Derrick.

“Can you run Karla home afterward?” he asked. “I don’t know how long this will take.”

Sorrow swamped Karla’s eyes. How could Ken not see how much he was hurting her? Could he really be that oblivious? Everyone else saw it. Even James studied him with a frown, his gaze swinging back and forth between him and Karla. There was concern in James’s eyes for her and irritation for Ken.

“Of course,” Derrick said, though he was frowning too. “Don’t worry. Sandra and I will see her home.”

“Thanks, man,” Ken said. Then he leaned down and brushed his lips over Karla’s forehead. And lightly caressed one cheek with his hand. “Don’t wait up for me, darlin’.”

Then he strode away leaving Karla staring down at her plate.

The silence after his departure was pronounced and awkward. When Karla did look up, there was humiliation in