Page 120 of Tempting Me

Now, I know the situation, all right? I know that she’s probably stressed and unsure of how to answer, but let me be clear, this is not just fun for me. It’s never been just fun for me. I was all in, and until this moment, I thought Shay was too.

Maybe you are only good enough as a secret.

No one says anything. I glance from Shay to her brother and then back to Shay.

I wait for her to say something, but she doesn't.

All she does is stand slowly.

“I, uh,” I clear my throat. “I forgot my keys.”

I move for the table and grab them, turning for the doorwithout another word. Shay’s lack of response right now is all I need to know.

I’m the guy women fool around with in secret.

Fuck, that sucks.

“Luca, wait,” Shay calls out to me as I exit.

I don’t stop.

“Luca, please wait.”

Against my better judgment, I pause and turn slowly.

“Did you mean that?” I ask.

“I just need time to figure things out.”

“Figure things out,” I repeat. “About us?”

“No, no, I just?—”

“Because from what I just heard, there is no us.”

“Luca, I just … I need … I …”

I nod slowly.

Wow.

Wow.

Fuck. This is unbelievable.

“I’m a fool,” I say and then walk away.

“No. You’re not. Luca, wait.”

She rushes after me, but I'm not stopping this time.

I’m not asking for a lot. Just the truth, and right now, I don't think Shay even knows what it is.

I want someone I can trust, and right now that person is not the woman following me.

“Luca, please.”

I open my door and get in, but the window is down, so I can still hear her pleas.

---