Page 97 of Tell Me Something True

Just as she knew it was stupid to be so disappointed by his suspicion. His doubts.

To be so hurt by them when she’d yet to earn his trust.

But he kept forgetting one very important fact.

He hadn’t earned hers yet, either.

***

Tabitha slid her hand out from under his.

Miles immediately missed the contact.

He scowled as she scooted out from under the counter and stood. He didn’t like that. Didn’t like that he wanted to snatch her hand back, link his fingers with hers and hold on.

That he wanted to tug her back to his side—on his cold, hard kitchen floor—so he could once again press his hip against hers.

Didn’t like that it felt as if he’d suddenly been set adrift, back to bobbing in a stormy sea after struggling to shore. After finding a safe harbor.

“I don’t think it’s the best time to get into why I’m here,” she said. “Not when you’re obviously…”

He pushed to his feet and crossed his arms. “I’m obviously…?”

Her eyebrows lifted at his quiet, challenging tone, but her mouth quirked. As if his daring her to speak the truth now, after practically begging for any scrap of honesty from her time and time again, was the ultimate entertainment.

“Not feeling well,” she settled on.

He pressed his lips together. Dropped his gaze.

Not feeling well.

That was one way to put it.

A much better way than saying he was losing his fucking grip.

“I’m fine,” he said.

And that was in large part due to her. Her presence. Her patience and compassion.

She made a humming sound of disbelief, but when she spoke, her voice was soft. “How often do you have them? Your anxiety attacks?”“I said I’m fine.”

“Have you considered seeing a therapist?”

“I’m. Fine.”

“What about your family?” she pressed, when she never used to push for anything from him. “Have you confided in any of them about what you’re going through?”

He dropped his arms. Inclined his head toward the door behind her. “You can go now.”

He turned, flipped the light on over the island, then crossed to the fridge, and yanked the door open. Stared blindly at the contents.

He couldn’t watch her walk away.

Even when he was the one kicking her ass out.

He grabbed a beer, twisted off the cap, then took a long drink, listening for the telltale sound of the door opening.

Of it shutting behind her.

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