Page 13 of The Truth of Our Secrets

He throws his hands up in the air. “Really?” he shouts. “That’s your fucking conclusion? Your phone malfunctioned?”

I don't like what he’s implying. The only other explanation is that someone deleted the message. No one has access to my phone except Jayce. He’s overprotective, but he wouldn’t do something so underhanded. Jayce chose me over Peter when things went wrong. He always has my best interest at heart.

It’s clearly a glitch. “Why are you still mad? I obviously didn’t get your text, and this is all a big misunderstanding.” All I want to do is put my arms around him, hugging him until the anger’s gone. The boy who meant so much to me isn’t with me today.

“I can’t believe you’re working for Alec and I didn’t know.” Nothing makes sense.

Emmet mutters, “I’m going to kill Alec.”

“If Alec used your full name, none of this would’ve happened.” He’s pale, with dark circles under his eyes. I can’t let him go. Not like this.

“Alec isn’t the problem here. We never would’ve met again if it weren’t for him. I’d certainly never go to such an uptight place,” he sneers.

“I love that restaurant. Why are you being like this? All I’ve ever wanted to do is help you.” Maybe Jayce is right. He clearly doesn’t want my help and doesn’t seem to appreciate my effort.

I spent hours helping him research colleges and apply for financial aid so he could get out of his trailer and do something with his life. He was the first boy I wasn’t afraid of. My past left me wary and suspicious of every man who touched me. That every innocent touch was the prelude to unwanted advances. Until Emmet.

It’s impossible to tell him how much he healed me and how much I want him in my life now.

He shakes his head and takes a deep breath. “I really wish you the best. And I hope you have an amazing life. But I’m sorry. I can’t be a part of it.”

He turns and walks away, leaving me on the street alone.

There are a million texts and missed calls from Jayce. I text him to meet me at Pink Titanium. Alec will have answers. I ignore Jayce’s next call to hail a cab. There’s so much to process, I need a minute to think. I adore Jayce’s protective side, but he’ll be too worried about me alone in the city.

Jayce

I stalk through Pink Titanium, looking for my wife. She’s not at the colorful bar on the right, so I scan the booths. The tables have been moved to make room for the small stage and karaoke equipment.

The minute Emmet exited Unframed Art, we had a problem. That fucking guy is like a bad penny. I think I’m rid of him, then bam, he turns up again.

I counted on the fact that he wouldn’t contact Madyson again if she didn’t respond to his text. And I was right.

Fucking hell.

Emmet’s the guy Alec wanted us to meet. A young new hire who could use a mentor. Madyson jumped at the idea.

Fuck. My. Life.

Now I’m never going to get rid of the guy. I’ll have to confess and beg for Madyson’s forgiveness.

A loud, annoying pop tune blares. I’m not in the mood for this shit.

Finally, I see red hair bobbing up and down. Madyson isn’t short, but she’s not tall enough to see over the crowd gathered by the stage, especially if she’s not wearing her stilettos. I trudge over, dreading the conversation we’re going to have.

I’m shocked when she throws herself in my arms, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

“Did he hurt you?” I hold her at arm’s length, checking for visible injuries.

“What? No!” she yells in my ear. “Come here.” She drags me over to the hallway leading to the bathrooms and a storage closet.

“Baby Girl, what did he do?” I’m relieved she’s not angry with me and thanking my goddamn lucky stars.

“It’s so surreal. He’s the one Alec wanted us to meet,” she says, and I nod in agreement. “Emmet’s angry atme. Like I did something wrong, which pisses me off.” She throws her hands in the air. Then holds up a palm. “Save your safety lecture for later. I deserved an explanation from him.”

I wipe the tears from her eyes.

“It turns out there’s a problem with my phone.”

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