Page 36 of Utah

It wasn’t until the tip of his tongue touched my bottom lipthat I was finally shoved back into the situation. The entire encounter lasted seconds, but even that was too long. Though I didn’t ask for him to kiss me, didn’t flirt with him, didn’t send him mixed messages—although he’d probably argue I had—a tsunami of guilt crashed through me.

With as much force as I could muster, I shoved him away from me. “What are you doing?” I aggressively wiped my mouth with the back of my hand.

“I was showing you how I feel about you.” His features pinched in a blend of confusion and worry. “I really like you.”

“So you said. But that doesn’t give you the right to kiss me, Will. I’m involved with someone.”

“You said you weren’t with him.”

“No, what I said was it was complicated. For fuck’s sake, I’m having his baby.”

“Oh.”

I couldn’t readily tell if he was apologetic for his actions or disappointed things didn’t turn out in his favor.

“Yeah, oh.” I didn’t know what else to say, sarcasm clipping both words.

His shoulders dropped, and he took a step back, giving me the tiniest amount of breathing room. Then his chest inflated, and his eyes widened.

“You’re not gonna tell him I kissed you, are you? I really thought you liked me. It’s not my fault.”

“Let me stop you right there,” I said, holding my hand up close to his face. “I never told you I liked you like that. I never flirted with you.”

“You kinda did, though.”

“I did not. What you took as flirting was just me being nice and getting along with a coworker, someone I even viewed as a friend. And to answer your question, no, I’m not going to tell Utah you kissed me because even though I’m upset with you right now, I don’t want to see you dead.”

“Uh… would he really—”

“Yes to every possible question you’re thinking.”

“I’m sorry, then.”

I’m sorry, then?He was only sorry because he didn’t want Utah to find out? My initial shock and guilt were replaced by anger, and if I didn’t leave now, I wouldn’t need to tell Utah a damn thing. I’d beat the hell out of him myself.

I folded myself into my driver’s seat and slammed my door. He walked back into Rocky’s as I turned over the ignition. I’d just pulled out of the parking lot when my phone rang.

“Finally,” I answered. “I’ve been trying to reach you for hours.”

“What’s wrong?”

Still flustered over the encounter with Will, I took several deep breaths to calm myself. Otherwise, Knox would grill me, and not only would he probably show up at my job and confront the guy, but he’d probably tell his friend. And that was unnecessary stress and drama none of us needed.

“Nothing,” I lied. “I texted Utah to see how he was, but he never responded. I’m worried about him.”

“He’s fine. He’s sleeping it off here for the night.”

“Oh, okay.” I failed to hide the disappointment in my voice.

“Don’t overthink it. He’s fine.”

“You said that already.”

“Well, I mean it. Physically, anyway. Who knows what’s going on in that head of his.” Silence descended for a moment. “Just give him some time.”

“I know.”

“Everything else okay? Did something happen at work?”

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