Page 101 of Fault Lines
I shrugged, recovering. “She’s on a kick lately. Her new boyfriend has her doing all sorts of things, even getting up early.”
He seemed to accept that, humming as he looked around. “I thought you were packing?”
“Sorry, got distracted.”
I ducked into the closet, pulling out the suitcase. Cam took it from me, hauling it onto the bed with effortless strength. Water still glistened on his skin, trailing down to the towel around his waist, and I couldn’t help noticing the way he looked. So beautiful, so much mine—even if that claim felt less certain now.
He caught my stare, all sly grin. “See something you like?”
“We should pack,” I managed, fleeing back into the closet.
When I returned, he was frowning, watching me as I stuffed clothes into the suitcase with no real plan.
“You okay?” he asked quietly.
“I’m fine,” I replied. “Just ready to get out of here.”
∞∞∞
By the time we arrived at Timeless Treasures, my nerves were strung tight. I hated the idea of Cam seeing this place. This was my safe haven, my secret, my escape from the fractures in our marriage. I didn’t want Cam tainting it with his presence, or ruining it with his jealousy.
Nate was stocking books when we walked in—the bell over the door chimed, the only sound in the early morning shop. Cam’s eyes immediately landed on him.
“Is that him? Nate?” Cam asked.
I nodded, and watched the relief wash over his face as he sized up Nate. He looked almost smug; certain Nate was no threat.
I bristled for Nate’s sake. Cam couldn’t see the things that mattered: the quiet kindness, the empathy, the way Nate listened, actually listened. Cam could steamroll through anything with confidence and muscle, but when had he ever slowed down to really understand me?
Cam tried to hide his impatience. “Where’s this book you wanted?”
I made a beeline for the romance section, grabbing the first book in any series I saw. I kept as far from Nate as possible, hoping to avoid any kind of scene.
Cam wandered, inspecting the shop with casual curiosity. “So this is where you spend your time?”
I ran a hand over the cover of the book I’d selected, searching for composure. “It’s peaceful here. I like the big window, especially when it rains.” I pointed to the couch by the window, remembering the hours I’d spent curled up there, lost in words and the sound of raindrops.
Cam’s gaze drifted back to Nate. I could see the gears moving, something unsettled in his eyes.
“This is all I need,” I said, finally making my way toward the register. Cam trailed after me, not letting me out of reach.
Nate greeted me with a bright, innocent smile. “How you doing, Livi? Is this your big brother or something?” He winked at Cam and my heart nearly stopped. Of all the times for Nate’s sense of humor.
Cam answered flatly, “I’m her husband, Cameron.” He thrust out his hand, the greeting ice-cold.
Nate shook it, barely holding back a grimace. Cam’s grip had gone just a little too tight—a Neanderthal display.
“Husband? Ah, nice to meet you, Carlisle. Livi practically lives here, you know. She loves that old couch.”
I handed over the book, silently pleading with Nate not to overplay it. He disappeared into the back, leaving me to stew in awkward silence.
Cam’s voice was low and loaded. “Interesting how a store clerk knows you well enough to call you by a nickname. Or to have your phone number.”
I rolled my eyes. “You’re being jealous again. Nate is just a friend. I spend a lot of time here, obviously we talk.”
“Talk about what?” he pressed.
I didn’t have to answer. Nate emerged with not just my book, but a fresh latte.
