Page 48 of Unsteady in Love

“Where are you?” I deflected, hoping it would work.

She gave me a look that said she knew what I was doing but let it slide. “I’m at the beach sitting under an umbrella. Alex was right; this place is paradise.” Her smiled faded. “I wish you were here.”

“Me too.” I sighed as I took her in. Her cheeks were bronzed from the sun she’d already gotten. Her eyes were bright with happiness. The change was notable, and I realized she’d been alone for far too long.

“Once Mason goes to bed,” she whispered and then looked over her shoulder, “and Luke comes home, I have to make myself scarce. They are all over each other,” she giggled. “I didn’t know what to do with myself last night. I ended up outside by the pool listening to the ocean. Isn’t it weird to have a pool right next to the ocean?”

“Never really thought about it, but I guess.” I laughed quietly, already feeling lighter listening to her voice and giggle.

“Well, it was actually quite peaceful. I didn’t want to go down to the beach and get abducted or anything, so I got into the pool and was shocked I could hear the waves. It was nice and soothing. I think you’d like it.”

“I’d like anywhere you are.” I wasn’t sure about getting in the ocean or pool. Maybe someday at home, but definitely not in public. I wasn’t sure if I’d ever be ready for that.

Her face softened, and her smile grew as she cooed. “You can be so sweet.”

“It sucks they’re making you uncomfortable. Maybe you should get your own place to stay.”

“The point was to be with people. What good is me coming here if I’m holed up somewhere by myself? Their hotel didn’t have any rooms available because of the movie, and I don’t want to have to spend all my time going back and forth. I’ll be fine. I’ve got my headphones, and I can go down to the pool.”

“I don’t want you to be uncomfortable.” I could feel my brows pull tighter.

She shrugged. “It wasn’t that bad, but I wanted to give them their privacy.” Her eyes grew wide. “It’s kind of crazy that I’m staying in a movie star’s hotel suite. He seems so normal.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “I’m sure he is. Just because you get a big paycheck doesn’t mean you turn into someone else.”

“I guess so. He’s just so…never mind,” her cheeks flushed pink. “Tell me about your day. Did you have therapy?”

What had she been about to say? “Do I need to be worried?” I half joked. It wasn’t the first time the thought had occurred to me.

Her face turned red for the opposite reason. “Don’t you start that shit with me, Holden,” she growled. Jumping up she took off down the beach.

I put the hand not holding up the phone up in surrender. “I was joking. Why are you getting so defensive?”

“Maybe because I’ve loved you and only you forever.” She stopped and glared at me. I knew her hand was on her hip even though I couldn’t see it. “I just told you about how Luke and Alex can’t keep their hands off each other. That was a shit thing to say.”

“Prue, calm down. It’s fine if you’re attracted to him.” And I had just said the wrong thing. Again.

“Really? Is it?” she fumed. “Are you attracted to someone else? Do I need to worry about a nurse there putting moves on my husband? Or you falling for one who’d taking care of you? Is that why you wanted me gone?” Prue had always had a jealous streak in her, and I had added fuel to the fire.

Looking down, I took a deep breath, scrubbing my hand down my face. I had gotten myself into this mess, and now it was time for me to try to dig myself out of it. “Baby, you know none of that is true. I’ve only ever had eyes for you. I saw what that Luke guy looked like that first day at your house, and I can’t blame you if you think he’s attractive. That’s all. I know you’d never act on it, and neither would he. I’m sorry.”

Her eyes glistened, and I knew it wasn’t from the sun reflecting off the water. I was such an asshole. “Prue, I love you and only you. I’d never break our marriage vows. You know me better than that. Take a deep breath and clear your mind for a minute.”

Prue could be so docile most of the time, but if she had an inkling that some woman had been interested in me in high school, she'd turned into a badass ready to kick ass and take names.

“You take a deep breath,” she sassed back, but I saw the fight leave her eyes. “I don’t like the fact that you can still bring out the insecure girl in me,” she whispered with a frown marring her face.

“I’m sorry. It shows that you care, and I do like that.” My voice softened as I tried to calm her down.

“You’re sick, Holden. It should be enough that I married you and love you.”

“It is,” I assured her. “I didn’t do it on purpose. I promise.” I told her the truth and turned away so I wouldn’t have to see her face. I laid it out there for her to hear. “I do worry that you’ll realize I’m not enough for you and that a simple attraction to someone else could become more.”

“Holden,” she called my name softly, “that’s never going to happen. I think if we spent more than a day here and a day there with each other, we’d feel better.You’llfeel better once you’re out of the hospital and realize that life isn’t as hard as you thought it was going to be, and that I’ll be there every step of the way if you let me.”

She made a good point. “You’re probably right about spending time together out in the real world.”

“And maybe…” She hesitated, biting on her bottom lip.

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