could term the faithful type."

"did you love him?"

"no, but i trusted him."

he nodded, set the beer aside. "and trust is more fragile than love." he cupped her face in his hands. "you can trust me, kate." he pressed his lips to her brow, then eased back with a grin on his face. "i would never risk having you slice off any important appendages with a chef's knife."

feeling both soothed and foolish, she settled into his arms. "i would never have used it." her lips curved against his. "probably."