Page 40 of Fate Forever and Always

“You told me to shut the door,” I whispered.

He was silent for a moment, then walked over to the shower and turned it on.

“Callie, just go. I need to get ready for dinner. Let me shower in peace, please.”

He got into the shower and shut the curtain. He reached his hand out and dropped his towel onto the floor. It sent a small thrill through me knowing he was completely naked right in front of me.

“What is wrong with you?” It came out more judgmental than I intended.

He laughed. It almost sounded evil. “Nothing, just let me get ready, please.”

“Nick—”

“Callie! Get. Out,” he said sternly.

“Woah, asshole, first of all, calm the fuck down. I'm just concerned about you. I want to make sure you are okay.”

He took a huge breath and opened the curtain to lean his head out. He still looked mad, but he lowered his voice exponentially.

“I’m sorry. Can you please leave so I can shower? We can talk when I get out.”

“Fine.” I turned and walked out without another word.

When he came out, my heart broke at how hurt he looked. When he was getting a shirt from his bag, I hugged him from behind, and I felt his body instantly relax.

“Are you going to talk to me?” I whispered against his back. He turned, so I started to let go, but he pulled me in and rested his lips on the top of my head. He held me close for a moment. I pulled away enough to look at him. “Are you okay? Did something happen?”

His blue eyes felt like they were staring into my soul. “You know you can tell me anything, right? You never need to hide anything from me.”

I swallowed nervously. “Yes, of course I know that.”

He backed up a little, putting about a foot of space between us. “Then why didn’t you tell me you were still talking to Jake?”

“What?”

“You lied, Callie. Jake called you, not Aubrey.”

“You went through my phone? How cou—”

He stepped back toward me and held up two fingers to my lips. “No, I didn’t. I would never do that unless I thought you were in danger. I was texting her when you said you were on the phone with her, so I knew it was a lie.”

Well, this is embarrassing.

“When I woke up earlier, I was trying not to wake you, and when I leaned over, your phone lit up. It was a message from Jake. I flipped. I was hurt that you lied.”

He stepped toward me and took my face in his hands. “I’m sorry I spoke to you that way.” He rubbed his thumb over my jaw like he was studying me.

I put my hand up to grab his. “Nick, I’m…I’m sorry.” I stuttered a bit, but I wasn’t sure what else to say.

“I know.” He leaned in and kissed my forehead. “I shouldn’t have blown up like that. No matter what I think, whoever you talk to is your business, not mine. I am here to support you forever and always, no matter what. Just no more lying, okay?”

I felt almost…relieved. I’m glad he knows now because I was dreading him finding out, and although he freaked the hell out, it was a lot less of a blowup than I expected. Now, I don’t need to hide it, at least not from him.

“Can we keep this between us? Aubrey thinks I blocked him. I don’t really want her mad at me, too.”

He looked over and gave me a stern look. “I won't lie to her, Cal.”

“I'm not asking you to lie. I'm just asking you not to bring it up.”

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