Page 58 of Undone, Love Times Three

“That’s where you grew up, right?”

She nods. “It’s about an hour out of the city.”

“I’ve never been but I’ve heard of it. Isn’t the Waterfall Glen Forest near there.”

“Yeah, it’s close to the brewery. It’s beautiful at this time of year. We used to sneak in and go swimming in the falls when we were kids.”

“Who is we?”

“My cousins and brother. Some of our friends from high school.”

“Boyfriends?” I lift a brow. I don’t enjoy thinking about her with other guys but a high school boyfriend can get a pass. Myhead is now filled with images of a soaking wet, naked Blue under a waterfall.

“Maybe,” she looks at me like she can see exactly what I’m thinking about.

Then her look becomes more apprehensive, and she pinches the small area of skin between her thumb and forefinger. I’m about to ask what is wrong when her question comes out in a rush, barely pausing for breath.

“Do you want to come? I mean, you’re probably working but I’ll be checking out a new blend of the 312 and I know how much you like the beer.”

“Yes. I’d love to.” There is no need to think about it.

Blue sits back in her chair, looking as if she can’t believe she asked, and is even more surprised I agreed. Panic sets in and she looks like she wants to take it back.

“Hey,” I lean over and take her hand to stop her causing any more damage to the already red skin between her fingers. “What’s going on with you?”

Her muscles are locked tight and her eyes dart away from me.

“Blue,” I move closer and touch her cheek. “It’s okay. I promised, remember?”

She blinks hard and lets out a quick breath, inhaling deeply and then blowing it out.

“Yeah, you did,” she nods, as if reaffirming her words.

It hurts, but it’s what she needs to hear. All I want to do is ask who hurt her because right now, I want to break their fucking neck. She pulls her hand from mine and clasps them in her lap, looking down.

“Are you sure you want me to go with you?”

“Yes,” she huffs out a laugh. “I’m just… Things are different.”

“From what?”

“From before, when I told you that.”

“When you told me not to fall in love with you?” I ask.

Her eyes meet mine. She searches them for any kind of amusement or hint that I think she’s crazy for asking the question. She won’t find it. If anything, she will see my determination to help her. I’ve gone at her pace. I’ve kept my growing feelings to myself for this very reason.

“I’ve been hurt,” she says quietly. “I don’t want to get attached. The last man I gave it to broke my heart so badly, I’ve never been able to mend it.”

I let that sink in. I’d suspected as much. Whoever this prick was, it isn’t me. I know what it feels like to lose someone you loved. It’s different, sure but the pain of being cheated on hurts no matter where you are in your relationship.

“Are you worried that what we’re doing is changing?”

Her brow furrows as she thinks about it. “Maybe, just a bit,” she holds up her finger and thumb to show how small the concern is. Her lip twitches to lighten the mood, but it doesn’t hide everything.

“We’ve both been through some shit,” I tell her. “Neither of us want to go into detail, and I’m good with that. But neither one of us, is that other person. All anyone can do in relationships, is decide if they want to take a chance, Blue. You made it clear from the start what you wanted.”

Her shoulders hunch a little and she averts her eyes. Jesus, he really messed her up. Usually she’s so confident, a little sassy, there is none of that here now.

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