Page 64 of Utah

“Will walked me to my car after my shift was over the other night like he’d done many times before. He asked if you and I were still seeing each other. I told him it was complicated.”

“You told him it was complicated? Jesus, Ria. Why would you…?” I rubbed the side of my face in frustration. “Continue.”

“He told me he liked me and that he thought I liked him too. Before I knew what was happening, he kissed me. I didn’t want him to. I pushed him away. I yelled at him. I think he was embarrassed, but more than that, he was scared I’d tell you what he did.”

“I’m sure he was.”

“I agreed not to say anything because I knew how you would react. And I was right.”

My temper simmered beneath the surface, thinking of that fucker attacking Ria like that.

“Is he why you didn’t put up much of an argument this time about quitting?”

“Partly. It’s also because the bleeding really freaked me out, and being on my feet all the time can’t be the best thing for me right now or as I get bigger.”

I moved closer, taking her hand in mine. This time she didn’t pull away.

“You should’ve told me what he did.”

“I know. And the next time it happens, I won’t hide it from you.”

“Why would it happen again?” I dropped her hand and stood. “Who else is gonna try and kiss you?”

She tugged me back down to the couch. “That’s not what I meant. I meant to say that if something else happens, anything else, I’ll tell you. I won’t hide things from you. But you have to make me the same promise. We need to be honest with each other if this is going to work.”

“I agree.”

“Good. Now I have another concern. Those pills you’ve been taking.”

“What about them?”

“How many do you have left?”

“Why?” Her stare cut right through me. “None. I have to get a refill.”

“You went through them already?”

“Yeah.”

“Utah… that’s a lot.”

Warmth spread through me as my breathing intensified. “It’s what I need.”

“No one needs that many pills in that short amount of time. That’s not good. Maybe you should go back to see the doctor and—”

Through clenched teeth and a forced grin, I stood for the second time. “What I need to do is get my pills. I got this. Don’t worry about me.”

Ria was on her feet now. “I think those damn pills are the problem.” She raised her voice and grabbed my arm when I turned to leave. “I was being honest when I said I didn’t tell you about the kiss because of the way you’d react. Did I think you would’ve punched him? Yes. Did I think you would’ve ended up doing what you did? No. That wasn’t you. I didn’t know that person. I was scared of that person.”

“I would never hurt you.”

“Youwouldn’t, but that guy youweremight.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” Anger seeped into my words even though I tried to hold it back. “I don’t have time for this. I have to run an errand for the club. I’ll be back later.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Why not?”

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