Page 73 of Fault Lines
I shook my head. “I regret not stopping it sooner. I should have. But I wouldn’t have let it go too far, anyway.”
He raised a skeptical brow at that. “Really, Livi? You forget I was right there. You were just as into it as I was.”
I exhaled, relieved to see another customer walk in at that exact moment.
“Welcome to Timeless Treasures!” I called, grateful for the distraction.
When the rush faded, I turned back. “I was into it,” I admitted under my breath. “And I know I didn’t do anything wrong. But I’m not ready to sleep with someone else right now. I’m still too stuck on my husband.”
“Just promise you won’t disappear on me,” he said, voice warm and pleading. “The idea of never kissing you again honestly makes me sick.”
“I won’t,” I answered softly. “I like being with you. But I’m not ready for more.”
He nodded, understanding flickering in his blue eyes. “Understood.”
“And you have to know once Cam calls it off with the other women, we go back to just being friends. That’s the deal.”
He gave a mock salute. “Friends it is, as long as you promise not to ditch me completely. Now kiss me.”
I laughed and shoved his shoulder. “Go stock the shelves or something. You’re a bad influence.”
His laughter followed as he sauntered away.
∞∞∞
Later, I sank into the hot water, the bubbles soft around my skin and the steam curling up beneath my chin. A glass of cheap white wine dangled from my hand, and I let the sweet, floral scent of my bath soak lull me into a trance.
I’d always hated it when Cam was gone overnight. The house felt less like a home and more like a big, echoing cave. It was funny—noticing every creak and thump only when I knew he wasn’t coming back that night.
My phone pinged, cutting through the quiet. I wiped my hand and checked the screen.
Just got my hotel room, baby. I miss you already.
Miss you too, babe. Have fun in the casino tonight. But not too much fun!
I’d tried to make plans with Rachel, but she was off with Jackson, meeting his family for the weekend. At this point, I doubted she wanted to call it a relationship, but that’s what it was.
Another ping, before I could set down my glass:
There’s a county fair happening just outside the city this weekend. Any chance you’d want to go tomorrow? Since Cam’s out of town and all.
I stared at the text, mind spinning. The last thing I should do was spend Saturday night at a fair with Nate.
But the other option was sitting here alone, counting the way the shadows grew on the walls. I didn’t want to cross any boundaries, but this thing with Nate—it was like trying to hold water in my hands. The lines kept shifting.
I took a deep breath and typed out my answer.
I’ll go as long as you understand that we have to remain friendly only. I can’t hold Cam to the rules if I’m not following them myself and that restricts any kissing or overly friendly activities to Thursdays only.
I grudgingly accept your terms. Pick you up at four?
Can’t wait.
I slid down until the water covered my ears, shutting out the world, wondering if I was making a huge mistake.
∞∞∞
Nate drove like he was hunting for prey, circling the parking lots for nearly half an hour before finally finding a space near the back.
