Page 39 of Unravel You

“When? Where?”

“In your bedroom. Before. When I have sex, that’s what I want. Someone to want me like that.”

Whoa. What? I dropped my head in my hands, cheeks burning hot. “I didn’t think you knew what we were doing. You didn’t exactly react. But of course, you saw.”

“The guy was shirtless!” She squeezed my leg, laughing. “I have a pretty good idea of how things work. I didn’t react because I was more afraid of going back out.”

Was that why she seemed younger than me even though she wasn’t? She was so beautiful, in a refined kind of way. She was funny, smart, and obviously very talented. “How did you make it through college without guys not making an effort with you?”

“They did. I wanted something special. I guess it never came.” She shook her head as if chasing a thought away. “But don’t change the subject. How are we going to fix your little situation here? What do you want?”

“I don’t know. A part of me is mad at Derek for not being more forthcoming with me, but if I’m being honest, I never really told him what my expectations were. I assume he knew I wanted to live in Tucson with him and Max, my son.”

Everything that’d happened since Vail kept going round and round in my mind. Derek was in a hurry to get me out of Tucson. Supposedly, to throw Bridget off and get her to leave town. Now it turned out he wanted to stay in Atlanta permanently.

“Sounds to me like you two have a lot to talk about before the wedding.”

“Yeah, sounds like it.”

“Hey, I keep losing you in the maze.” As if we’d summoned him, Derek jumped over the low fence, picked his way across the creek separating his property from Ana’s, and joined us. He kissed my cheek. His body heat seeped through my dress, and I leaned against him. A life with Derek was all I wanted, but…

“I lost track of time talking to Ana.”

“It’s Anabelle. These guys insist on treating me like Charlie’s little sister.”

“What’s wrong with Sweet Ana?” Derek tapped her nose. “You’re very sweet.”

Could he be more clueless?

“See what I mean?” She rolled her eyes.

“I’m sorry. Anabelle.” I smiled at her. “Thank you for talking to me. This was very helpful.” I gave her a meaningful look,

“It’s late. Dinner’s ready.” Derek gripped my waist.

“Good night.” I waved at Anabelle.

When we reached the gardens, he led me down a path that dead-ended in a cozy area with a small water fountain and a stone bench.

“We need to talk.” He gestured for me to take a seat.

My heartbeat spiked. I had questions too, but that stern look made me pause. “No.” I stood my ground. “First explain to me why your mom thinks you’re staying here indefinitely?”

“She doesn’t think that.”

“She told Anabelle.”

“I had no idea. I promise.”

“You keep saying that. You have promised a lot of things since we got here. But at every turn, I find out you want something different.”

“I want you. That hasn’t changed.” He cupped my face. His tone of voice went from determined to wavering.

“Answer me this. If it were up to you, would you stay in Tucson? I want your truth. Not what you think I want to hear.”

He dropped his arms to his sides and stared at me. Anabelle was right. This was his home.

“It no longer makes sense for me to be in Arizona.”

---