Page 119 of Make Me Dream of You

He scowls as he sprinkles freshly grated cheddar cheese into the pan. “I thought you were going to ask her to stay.”

I drag my hand through my hair and rub the base of my neck. “I decided not to.”

“Why?” He brings his knife down hard on a bunch of spinach.

Because I’m already so far gone for her that it’s just a matter of time she rips my heart out and I’m terrified.

“It’s just too much, too soon. We already spend all our time together, living and working together. I was barely able to sneak away the other day. I think her moving out will be good for us. Give each other a little space, you know? Maybe I should step back a little, slow things down.”

“So, you’re going through all the trouble of sneaking around for this secret, and you’re not even going to take the relationship forward. You’re taking a step back? Do you really think this is a good idea?”

“It’s probably a terrible idea.”

Wood looks up and I’m braced for his look of disappointment. But he looks behind me instead, his face going pale, expression falling.

I look over my shoulder to where Livvy is standing, emerged from the bathroom, eyes round, pouty lips downturned. I don’t have to read the hurt in her eyes to know she heard every word I just said.

CHAPTER 21

LIVVY

Iwasn’t supposed to hear that, obviously, by the look of panic on Noah’s face.

I knew things were going too well between us. It’s been…perfect. Magical. I’ve been subconsciously on edge waiting for the other shoe to drop.

And there it is.

He wants to pull away. Tired of me already.

Taryn’s words seep into my brain, digging their jagged edges into every crevice.

And he’s keeping something else from me? Sneaking behind my back? I have no idea what Wood meant. Like Noah said, we spend all our time together.

I can’t make sense of it.

Noah’s chair skids across the floor as he stands. “I thought you were in the shower.”

“I decided to skip it and just put my hair up since I’m already running late.”

He stutters, flustered. “Liv, that wasn’t what it sounded like. Let me explain.”

I shift on my feet. “Okay. Explain.”

Wood shuffles out of the kitchen, eyes averted, then slips away.

Noah is still standing there at the table, mouth open, not saying anything. “Shit,” he finally exhales.

“So, it was what it sounded like?” I turn toward the door.

“I guess it was, partly, but it came out worse than I meant it. And the secret thing I can explain, just not yet?—”

He steps toward me, but I hold up my hand. “No, you’re right. We do spend all our time together. It’s a lot. I get it.”

“Liv—”

“I don’t have time right now. I have to go. We can talk about this later. Hopefully we’ll find our new apartment today, and then I can be out of your hair altogether. I’ll see you later.” I hurry to the door.

He follows me out into the hall. “Livvy, wait. You’re upset, don’t leave like this.”

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