Page 35 of The Light We Lost

But nothing ever went my way.

Tires screeched, and I opened my eyes, the seat belt digging into my chest as the truck skidded to a stop. Heart racing, I sucked in deep breaths as I took in my surroundings, silently confirming everything was fine. I was safe.

Except I felt anything but safe with those pearly blue eyes staring into mine.

Grinning, Nolan patted the hood of the truck, making his way to the driver’s door.What the hell is going on and why is he awake?“Don’t you know I’m old?” Dad asked as he rolled down his window, and I pulled out my earbuds, excitedfor him to chew Nolan out for running into traffic. “You’re lucky I was able to fight Indy off. She tried getting me to push down on the gas.”

Nolan laughed, the corners of his eyes crinkling. I scowled. Of course they were friends—why wouldn’t they be? “Hate to break it to you, but if you want me dead, you’ll have to get your own hands dirty, peaches.”

I dug my nails into my palms, recoiling at the nickname. If Dad heard it or had any idea Nolan and I had seen one another before now, he didn’t let on. “Is something on fire, or is there a reason you ran in front of my truck like your life depended on it?”

Nolan’s lips fluttered with a smile, no doubt because of the daggers I was sending his way. I’d kill him if he dared let it slip that we were still married. “I was on my way to work—I couldn’t sleep so I figured I may as well start the day early. I was pulling into the bait shop when I noticed you driving and thought you might like to see some of the new carvings I just got in.”

I relaxed against my seat, assuming he was referring to the local woodcarver Dad liked to buy from. I glanced out my window, and sure enough in the parking lot of Graham—Bait and Game was Nolan’s truck. The lights in the cab were on, the driver’s side door left open like he’d gotten out in a hurry. Why he felt it was important enough to chase Dad down at four in the morning was beyond me.

“If I’m back from dropping Indy off at the airport in time, I’ll swing by this evening. If not, first thing in the morning,” Dad said.

Nolan’s gaze flicked to mine. “You’re leaving? I–I thought you were staying for the month.”

Silence filled the truck, and Dad glanced my way, likely not missing the nerves in Nolan’s voice. Before I could say a word, he asked, “Think you can spare a minute for me to look at those carvings? They sell out fast.”

I nodded, not protesting when he pulled the truck to the side of the road or when he slipped into Graham—Bait and Game, leaving me alone outside with Nolan. “What do you think you’re doing?” I hissed once the front door was firmly closed. “I don’t want my parents knowing about us!”

Nolan leaned against the driver’s door, his arm propped on the open window. “We’re just talking. Not sure how that would clue your daddy into knowing you’re still my wife.”

“I am not your wife,” I all but groaned. “But you running in front of his truck and having the nerve to look like you’d been sucker punched when you found out I was leaving might make him wonder if something is going on between us.”

“Is something going on between us?”

I scoffed, crossing my arms over my chest. “Beyond you following me home and watching me through my window like a pervert?”

He leaned farther through the open window, his gaze lingering on my luggage. “You could’ve closed the blinds.”

I rolled my eyes, careful to shift Genny out of his view. I didn’t owe him any explanations, not when he was the lunatic who’d jumped in front of a moving vehicle for no good reason, other than to make me miserable.

Except I felt anything but miserable as Nolan said with undeniable softness, “I’m sorry about last night, Indy.” I swallowed tightly, wishing I was strong enough to break his gaze. He’d always had a knack for captivating anyone’s attention, especially mine. His hair was messy, as though he’d smeared his fingers through it all night. There was a shadow on his jaw, and the dark circles beneath his eyes had him looking wild in a way I’d never seen. “You trusted me to be your friend, but I let you down, and I can’t exactly blame you for leaving town.”

“I’m not leaving because of last night,” I told him, not sure why I was so eager to ease his conscience. “I have to go to a game—it’s for work. But I’ll be back.” I could’ve sworn there was relief in his eyes, enough that I added, “I’m sorry about last night too. It’s not your responsibility to stand up for me . . . just like it’s not my right to judge how you live your life.”

He gave me a small smile. “Bet you still think I’m an idiot for buying the bar.”

He’d said it as a joke, but my stomach dropped. His words were a reminder of what this was. Nolan wasn’t relieved I was staying—he’d thought I was backing out of our deal. I’d bet anything he planned to use the money his dad left toward buying the bar. Sure, he could get the money at any time, but if he was serious about finding peace with his dad and following his wishes, he needed me.

I’d only ever be a need to Nolan.

I brushed loose cat hair off my leggings, refusing to have a pity party. I’d known what this was when I agreed to it. And he’d never tried to paint it differently.We aren’t a team, he’d told me. “What you do with your life is none of my business.”

He raised a brow, like he’d expected a different response—an honest one. Before he could push for one, I said the first thing off the top of my head. “It’s cool that you let other businesses sell through your shop.”

“What do you mean?”

“The woodworker my dad buys from . . . he sells through your shop, doesn’t he?”

“Oh, right.” He nodded slowly, like he’d forgotten Dad was inside, looking at said woodworker’s carvings. “It’s not a big deal or anything, just some amateur who picked up a hobby. I doubt he’ll last long.”

“My dad seems to believe he’s talented. He’s got a few of his carvings hanging around the house.”

“What do you think?” he asked, watching me curiously. “I mean . . . do you think he’s any good?”

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