Page 53 of Twisted Paths

A year ago, I was a man with a career but no joy, a house but no home, a life but no one to share it with.

And now—

Now, she looks up and spots me watching her. A slow, knowing smile spreads across her face, like she already knew I’d end up here, drawn to her like gravity.

I lift my phone back to my ear. “Philip.”

“Yes?”

“Tell the director I’ll think about it.”

A beat of silence. Then—

“Who are you?” Philip demands. He knows I hate that guy. He belittled one of my earlier books during a press conference.

I just smirk, already heading for the garden.

“I’ll call you tomorrow.”

I hang up before he can argue, stepping out into the cool evening, where Nancy is waiting for me.

She tilts her head, watching me as I step onto the patio. “What did Philip want?”

I lower myself onto the edge of the chair next to her, stretching my legs out. “The usual. Telling me how well the book is doing, making sure I celebrate the success. Oh, and apparently, some big-shot director wants to adapt the book.”

Nancy sits up straight, eyes wide. “Wait. What? Your book? A film?”

I nod, watching as the excitement lights up her face.

She grabs my hand, squeezing it. “Luke, that’s huge! Why do you look like you just got told your cat died?”

I huff a small laugh, but it doesn’t quite reach my chest.

She studies me, her expression softening. “Is something wrong?”

I shake my head. “No.”

I stand up, reaching for her hand, tugging her gently to her feet. Then, I drop into her chair, settling in, pulling her right into my lap before she can protest.

Her arms wrap loosely around my neck, her body fitting against mine like it’s always meant to be there.

I brush a hand through her hair, feeling the warmth of her against me, the steady rhythm of her breathing.

Then, I press my lips to hers—slow, deep, deliberate.

She melts into it, fingers tightening slightly at my nape, the fire crackling softly beside us.

I pull back just enough to look at her, my thumb tracing slow circles against her hip.

“I love you.”

Nancy doesn’t hesitate.

She smiles… soft, certain, and completely undoing me, and brushes her fingers through my hair. “I love you too.”

The words settle in my chest, warm and steady, like they’ve always belonged there.

I tighten my hold on her, keeping her close, pressing my forehead against hers for a moment, just breathing her in.

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