Page 52 of Unmasking Secrets
I open my mouth to object but think better of it. “Thank you, she’ll love it.”
It’s silly. I know realistically they probably make thousands of these, but the idea of us having something matching makes me feel good.
CHAPTER THIRTY
TABITHA
My heart feels like it’s dropped into my gut. I rub at my chest as the tightness spreads across my body. This doesn’t feel right. None of today has felt right. I didn’t even want to go on the date! Why didn’t he stop it from happening?
What is happening?
Archie can’t leave—I just got him back. Sure, I didn’t initially want him to know the truth. That’s why his showing up as my bodyguard was so shocking. He wasn’t supposed to know about my troubles, because he was alwayseverything. Nobody can replace him; nobody ever could.
Not as a friend—a best friend.
Not as a bodyguard.
I groan. Anger fills me as I step into the shower. The water soaks through my clothes, but I can’t bring myself to care. I just need to feel before I spiral back into that place. I refuse to go backthere. I slowly slide to the floor and let the water continue to soak my clothes. The wet fabric clings to my body.
It’s annoying, but at least I’m still feeling. I’m not numb. I’m not going back to that dark place in my head.
Archie is really pushing me away this time. Right out of each other’s lives. I thought maybe seeing me with someone else would make him make a move—I was wrong.
I close my eyes and let the first tear fall.
“Asshole!”
Was it the date? He didn’t even give me a chance to explain. I was going to tell him everything before he dropped the bomb. He can’t leave!
I want to be with Archie.
I fucking love him.
I stand and turn the shower off. The clothes stick to me as I struggle to peel them off. I nearly trip over my own feet attempting to get out of the jeans. Archie isn’t going without me telling him how I feel.
It’s time to put it all on the table.
I’m going to make a move this time. Because if he thinks for one second I would rather be with someone else, he’s an idiot.
I take a deep breath, then drape my wet clothes over the side of the tub. I used a towel to squeeze most of the water from my hair, at least so it wouldn’t drip on me. Then, move to my room and dig through my pajama drawer.
I grab a cute set that makes me feel both sexy and powerful and pray it gives me the strength to finally do it. This isn’t just about telling him how I feel. I’m going to lay all the cards on the table and make my move. He’ll either reject me or accept the truth.
I just pray it isn’t all in my head.
Within minutes I’m leaning against the door of the security office. I hesitate to say anything. He’s focused on his laptop.
“So, you’re really going to leave?” I hold my breath. Maybe he’s already changed his mind.
Archie doesn’t even turn to face me. His eyes stay glued to the laptop screen. “I think it’s for the best.”
I swallow. “Honestly?”
He turns to face me. His jaw clenches as he looks me down and back up again. It’s so slow, I can imagine what he sees. Temptation nearly undressed.
I shift slightly. Doesn’t he know I’m his? All he has to do is say the words.
“Luke seems like a good guy.” He shakes his head and looks away.
