Page 44 of Sassy Love
“Okay, what about with your parents? Your mother, perhaps?”
“My relationship with my mother is good, always has been.”
Lamont’s brow flings toward her hairline.
That surprises her. It really shouldn’t; she despises me.
“Good, thank you. This is part about getting to know each other on a deeper level, part giving each other the opportunity to understand where the other is coming from. Sometimes our past relationships trigger responses in our here and now. Our responses are not always conscious.”
“That makes sense,” I offer.
Lamont shoves a finger onto her nose before rolling her eyes.
“Miss Carlie, did you have something you needed to say?” Manuel says.
She scoffs. “Nope.”
“Manuel’s right, your baggage stays in this room, Lamont. Drop it and leave it.”
Her eyes tighten. “You first. Or is the only thing weighing you down being your utter failure as a human being?”
And . . . we’re back to square one.
I sigh. “Can I take five?”
Manuel waves a hand toward the door. I push to my feet and wander outside. The second the cool air sinks into my lungs, I close my eyes. I try really damn hard to understand why she is like this. The constant need to be on defense. To win at all costs.Why we make the smallest bit of progress, inching forward one step, only to take three back.
People wander about the facility, chatting, laughing.
This place is burning with positivity and happiness. I swear, the only spoiled apple in this resort is our relationship. Time to own this and fix it.
The way my father taught me to.
I pad inside to find Lamont holding Manuel’s hand, both their eyes closed as he chants something, over and over. I study them for a beat as the scowl melts from her face. She’s stunning when she’s content.
Hell, who am I kidding, she’s stunning when she’s mad as a cut snake.
Huffing a laugh, I cross the room and sink to my seat. They both open their eyes, and Lamont squares her position to face me.
“Ready?” I ask.
“Fine.” She tilts her chin up.
“Let’s continue,” Manuel says, looking at me.
Giving him a nod, I glance at Lamont.
“Okay, this time we are going to try physical contact. Take each other’s hands, please.”
Lamont clears her throat, but to my surprise, she holds out both hands. Her elegant, manicured hands. I fold mine around them, doing my best to ignore the spark that ignites with the touch. Her lips part as her gaze drops to where we’re connected.
Her fingers are cold, and I squeeze them a little tighter.
“Good. A great start. Okay, this next question is harder than the last few. So, I’m going to ask it, then start the timer for one minute. You are not allowed to respond until the timer chimes. Then, looking your partner in the eye, tell them your honest answer.”
I shift on my seat.
Now I’m the one who’s uncomfortable.
