Page 49 of Unmasking Secrets
“Look, before this date continues and you get these thoughts in your head—” I pause. “I need to be honest. I agreed only because I felt cornered. The truth is—I gave my heart away a long time ago.”
Luke smiles. “It’s the guy that follows you around.”
I sigh. “There’s a lot going on in my life, and he has my back. I haven’t been honest with him or myself.”
He nods. “It’s all good, Tabitha. I hope you both don’t fight whatever it is much longer.”
“You’re being really cool about this.” I chuckle.
“Yeah.” He shrugs. “You’re a cool girl, and I had to shoot my shot. If all we are is work friends, I’m cool with that. I’m sorry for cornering you.
“You’re really okay?” He nods and I sigh in relief.
“This can turn into a business dinner.” Luke laughs. “I mean, I’ve got a couple of ideas I’d like to run by you.”
“I’d love that.” I smile softly. “Excuse me for just a moment.” I stand. “If the server comes, I’ll take a water.” I make my way over to the restroom.
I’m relieved he doesn’t seem upset that this isn’t going to be a date, but it still feels weird. I’m out to dinner with a great guy at this romantic place, while the guy who holds my heart is sitting across the room staring.
The real issue is being too afraid to make the first move, to say something. I’m terrified of being rejected by the one who meant everything to me growing up. We’re drifting farther apart and I feel like I’m drowning. I don’t know how to stop it.
As soon as I step into the bathroom, I make my way over to the sink and grip it. I stare at my hands as my knuckles turn white. I just need a minute or two to remember how to breathe normally.
The door opens, and I will my body to relax as I glance up in the mirror. I expect to see some woman making her way to a stall. Not the sight that greets me.
Archie.
He flips the lock, the sharp click sounding loud. He scans the empty stalls before his eyes lock on mine in the mirror.
“This is the women’s restroom.” I joke, forcing the laugh. “You can’t just come in here.”
“Do you think this is funny?” His nostrils flare.
“It’s a little funny,” I mutter, rolling my eyes—because if I don’t, I’ll have to admit the way my stomach just dropped.
His gaze narrows, sharpens, and then he moves. Slowly. With each step it sends my pulse higher, my chest tighter.
The mirror needs one of those warning labels like they have in the car.Objects in mirror are closer than they appear.I see him closing in, see my chest rise too fast, see his expression darken. And then he’s there. I hold my breath as I feel the heat of him at back.
“Tabitha,” he says low, like a growl scratching at his throat. He braces one hand on the counter beside me, caging me in. His other hand hovers, then grazes the side of my hip. His finger are light, tracing my skin where the cutout of my dress is.
I’m frozen in place. I need more. So much more.
His eyes flick down, tracing my curves with his eyes.
Heat rushes across my chest and up my neck, flooding me.
“Arch—” My voice cracks.
He leans in to the curve of my neck, but his eyes are on mine in the mirror. His lips almost touch my skin.
I’m pretty sure my heart is going to beat right out of my chest with as loud as it is. If I turned, would our lips touch?
His jaw clenches. “Fuck.” He tears himself away, retreating fast.
The door clicks shut behind him and I’m left staring at my reflection.
What the hell was that?
