Page 68 of Unforgettable

“No, he designs websites for extra money,” Reeve explains. “He’s actually a workaholic. I try to tell him to take it easy, but it falls on deaf ears most of the time.”

“Some people just like keeping busy,” I say.

“It makes me feel like a slacker most of the time, but then I remember he gets to stay here and I have to go back home, so I feel less guilty when I’m parading all over Burlington with you.”

“Oh.” I perk up. “Is that what we’re doing?”

“Actually, that’s what Tara called it the other day at work,” he informs me. “She said, and I quote, ‘since you’re a couple now and everyone at work knows about it, will you be spending the summer parading your new man all over Burlington?’”

I groan at the mention of work and how everyone has been since my little public display of affection the other week. For the most part, Reeve and I actually haven’t been at work on the same days or at the same times. Which meant, since telling them I was lying to my family wasn’t an option, Reeve and I have somewhat been pardoned from having to play pretend in front of our work colleagues.

“I’m sorry about that,” I repeat for what feels like the hundredth time since it happened. “Actually, I’m not,” I confess. “I’m sorry it’s messy, but I’m never going to apologize for kissing you.”

“I don’t want you to,” he says earnestly. “Your kisses are the best I’ve ever had.”

“Don’t say that,” I warn. “It just makes me want to take you home and do things we agreed not to do.”

He falls back into the seat with a sigh. “I know. I know.”

We sit in silence until I park in front of his place. Wordlessly, we both get out of the car and I help him unload his stuff into his apartment.

He darts off into his room and I’m left with Murph, who’s sitting at their dining room table with a laptop open, staring at me. Almost like he’s disappointed in me.

“Umm,” I hedge. “Did I do something wrong?”

He turns to see if Reeve is coming and then proceeds to rise up off his seat. “I want to warn you not to break my friend’s heart, but I don’t think he’s going to leave Vermont without hurting you too.”

Okay, this isn’t what I was expecting.

“Is this supposed to be a pep talk? Because it’s kind of lacking the pep,” I smart.

“I tried to tell Hotcakes he was getting in too deep with you, but now I see that it’s a two-sided thing, and I don’t know if that’s worse.”

Keeping my face stoic, I pretend not to know what he’s talking about. Because who needs to dwell on something neither one of us can control? And who really wants to turn the inevitable heartache into a spectator sport?

Murph doesn’t elaborate and Reeve walks out of his room looking between us suspiciously.

“Showgirl,” he chides, almost knowingly. “What did you say?”

“Nothing your Viking won’t tell you in the car,” he replies confidently. “And nothing you don’t already know.”

Reeve and I are left standing there, staring at one another, unsure of what we’re supposed to say or do, as Murph returns to his seat and his work, as if he didn’t just pour a bucket of ice-cold water over us.

“We should go,” Reeve eventually says, motioning to the door. “We don’t want the food in the car to spoil.”

Nodding, I follow him out of the apartment and back into the car.

As soon as both car doors close, Reeve pounces. “What just happened?”

“I’m not really sure,” I answer honestly. “I think… no,” I shake my head. “IknowMurph is worried about you. Also, did he call me your Viking?”

“Geez,” Reeve mutters. “I already told him everything was fine.”

“Is it, though?” I blurt out, forgetting about the nickname and surprising both of us with my question. “I mean, you enforced a no touching rule.”

“What else do you expect me to do?” he yells, throwing his hands up in frustration. “We made a deal and I don’t back down from those. So, I’m making it work the best way I know how. The wedding is less than two weeks away, there’s no point backing out now.”

He sounds pained, and guilt fills me. “I’m sorry, Reeve.”

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