Page 23 of All Along

“He doesn’t need my help. Except with cooking. We all know how bad a cook he is.”

“I always knew the two of you were destined to be together.” Mom sighs. “You’re adorable together.”

“Wait. What?” I ask.

“There’s no need to hide from us, Son,” Dad says.

“I’m not hiding.”

Mom rolls her eyes. “We haven’t seen you since you got home. We only know you go to physical therapy three times a week because I ran into Hazel atSmuggler’s Cove.”

I glance at Maya but she doesn’t act surprised by the information. I frown. Does everyone on Smuggler’s Hideaway know about my injuries? I dismiss the thought. Maya wouldn’t be here begging me for answers if she knew.

“I’m glad you’re not hiding from your girlfriend,” Mom continues to babble away.

I should correct Mom. Tell her Maya hasn’t even been inside my cabin until five minutes ago.

But maybe if my parents believe I’m dating Maya, they’ll stop bothering me. Being left alone is what I want most.

Except to spend time with Maya.

Hold on. This is the perfect way to spend time with Maya without leading her on. We can pretend to date. My parents will be happy. And I can spend some time with Maya. Andwhen I’m all healed up, I can drive away from this island without anyone getting hurt.

Maya raises an eyebrow at me. I know her well enough to understand the question she’s asking. Does she roll with it or deny it?

I give her a subtle nod before raising my arm. She hurries to me and buries herself in my side. She fits perfectly against me. As if she were made for me. I inhale her honey scent and calm spreads over me.

This is where she belongs. If I were a better man, I’d never let her leave my side.

Unfortunately, I’m not a better man. I left over a decade ago to prove I could be the man for her, but I did the exact opposite. I proved I’m not good enough for her.

“Well,” Dad says and brings me out of my reverie. “We’ll leave you two alone. Your mother just wanted to check on you.”

Mom elbows him. “Don’t lie. You were worried, too.”

He grins down at her. “Yes, dear.”

My parents are still in love. Five children later and they continue to stare at each other with cartoon hearts in their eyes. I want what they have.

I glance down at Maya. Those whiskey-colored eyes are full of warmth and her pouty lips are tipped up in a smile at me. If I were a better man, I could meld my lips to hers.

I’ve never wanted to be a better man more than in this moment.

Chapter 10

“Fake date Caleb? I’ll fake date him all the way to real.” ~ Maya

Maya

Iwave to Caleb’s parents as they drive away. Caleb has his arm firmly wrapped around me and I’m melted into him. His earthy scent with undertones of spice surrounds me and I want to stay in this moment forever.

But I can’t.

Caleb didn’t even want me inside his cabin before his parents showed up. He definitely doesn’t want to be my boyfriend. We’re friends. Nothing more. Except for the one time in the library.

I slam my walls down before the memory invades my consciousness. The last thing I need to do is embarrass myself in front of my high school crush.

“Welp,” I say when the lights from his parents’ car can no longer be seen. “I guess it’s time to stage a break-up.”

---