Page 199 of The Liar's Reckoning

I smile, my lips curling against his upper arm, my hand running over his abs, fingertips scraping through the crisp, dark hairs of his happy trail. He’s not as soft here as he used to be, and a pang of missing him so badly vibrates my bones.

We’re quiet for a few minutes until he asks a question I didn’t see coming. “What changed your mind about seeing me again?”

“That’s a loaded one,” I say, stalling to figure out how to answer him.

“Is it?”

“Yeah.”

“I’ve got time,” he says softly.

“And you’re sure you want the truth?”

He sighs. “My sister thinks this whole thing between us could be fixed with a conversation. I guess I’m trying to prove her wrong.”

“I could call her and tell her how wrong she is. Wanna give me your phone?”

“No. I want you to answer my question.”

“What changed my mind?” I decide to go with the whole truth. “All right, fine. I love you, and this is the only way you’ll let me have you. In secret. Catching you in a weak moment. And like I told you before, once I move, it’s done.”

“Why done?” he asks. “You think I don’t know how to get to Florida?”

“I need to start over Graham. I need to let you and this go.”

“Oh.”

“You said you wanted an answer,” I remind him.

“Yeah, I guess I did.”

“Also, you’re not invited to Florida unless you’re ready to…”

When I go quiet, he shifts beside me. “Ready to what?”

I shake my head. “It’s pointless.”And stupid. I could use that shower.

“No. I’m asking. Ready to what?”

“Be with me,” I say with a deep breath. “Not like a secret—not like a thing you have to lie about and hide. From anyone.”

“I didn’t think… I’m surprised you’d want that.”

“Why?” I ask. I think I’ve made it beyond obvious that he’s got me by the balls.

“With my politics?—”

“Yourpolitics?” I laugh at how ridiculous that sounds coming from him. “Really?”

The question seems to pull him up short. He blinks rapidly, and his brows pinch. “What does that mean?”

“I genuinely wonder if you’ve ever stopped to consider where you actually stand on all these issues you’re always ranting about on TV. Like do you really think more policemen at malls is gonna stop homeless kids from being seduced into going home with someone who promises them food and shelter and safety in exchange for going to a few parties with a bunch of rich people who’ll feed them drugs and alcohol to have sex with them? Becausethat’strafficking.”

He shakes his head. “The cartels?—”

“Don’t start with me about the cartels, Graham. I swear to God.”

He scrubs at his face, a low growl rumbling from his throat. “Okay, fine. You’re right. But how would you suggest I offer up a bill that punishes the richest party donors?”

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