Page 57 of For the Love of Lily

“Luke, I know we can talk about anything, but really, you don’t want the intimate details in your head,” I said, nervous at where this was going.

“Maybe I need to, to understand how this… isn’t enough.”

I leaned forwards and rubbed at my tense face. “What are you asking for? Comparisons? Score boards? Why do you want to know? You think I don’t wonder how many girls you slept with while you were travelling? I mean, look at you. Everywhere we go, you could have any girl in the room, and I’m guessing that you did for a while?”

Luke sighed and dropped his head into his hands. “I don’t suppose I do want to know really. I drive myself mad with it.”

I felt a tear slide down my cheek and splash onto my chest. “I just don’t want to hurt anybody.”

He sat up and brushed my tears away with his fingers. “I’m petrified of you going to work tomorrow, of him being there.”

“I am too, Luke, but I have to.”

“You don’t. I have enough money, just quit. You don’t have to go back.” Luke’s eyes were troubled as he spoke.

“I do have to. I can’t sit around here, living off you. I have a job, a house, friends. I’m meant to be making Zack’s mum a birthday cake next weekend. I can’t abandon my life and move here to be your plaything.” I sighed.

“That’s not what I meant. I just meant you don’t have to worry about money while you find another job, closer, away from him.”

“Almost exactly a year ago, he was saying the same to me, not wanting me to work with you,” I said.

“And you moved for him.” Luke watched me, his eyes guarded.

“After you left, Luke, in case you didn’t spot that. You left. Not me.” I stood up and slipped my dress over my head.

“I’m sorry, stupid time to bring this up. I didn’t mean to upset you. Come back, Lily. I’m worried, that’s all. Ignore me.”

“I notice you avoided the how many girls question.” I gave him a small smile, sitting back down as he wrapped his arms around me. I couldn’t be mad at him.

“Yep, and I always will.” Luke smiled and kissed my forehead softly.

Twenty

It was definitely not in my head - people were glancing at me as they walked past my desk. Maybe it was the new dress and the fact I was wearing the stunning Gucci shoes? Thinking back to the Instagram post though, I guessed not.

I sipped at my now cold coffee and tried to focus on my inbox which was overflowing after my time off. A peel of laughter rang out from the staff room, and I closed my eyes. I wished everything didn’t make me paranoid.

“Hi,” I winced involuntarily as I heard Zack’s voice speak to me.

I looked up at him, all stubbly and sexy. It was frustrating of him to look handsome when I was so enraged.

“You can speak? Who knew?” I stared at him, defiant.

“Why are you all dressed up?” He looked over the desk at my new dress, my feet were tucked out of view.

“Because I left our house with one tiny bag and had to buy new stuff. Is this the place to have this conversation?” I asked.

“No. I wanted to ask if you’d meet me at lunch. I can book a meeting room.”

“Who said romance was dead? Fine. You could’ve messaged me to ask that.” I began typing gibberish into an open email, just to look busy.

“I wanted to make sure you were actually here. Later.” He walked off. Twat!

I must have looked in a foul mood as nobody bothered me all morning. I messaged Luke to let him know I was OK. Cassie had gone on radio silence again, which was weird. I thought we’d resolved our issue.

All too soon it was lunchtime. I headed upstairs, admiring my shoes all the way in the glass bannister.

Zack looked me up and down as I walked in, it put me on edge.

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