Page 310 of The Sinner: James

“Hmm?” I mumble, focusing my eyes on her.

“What are you thinking about?”

“Um, nothing... You slept fine?”

“Yes. Your bedroom is the only room in the house that hasn’t been remodeled.”

“You didn’t like it? You could’ve picked a different room.”

“No, no. I loved it. It reminded me of the first night I spent in your bed.”

She flashes a smile.

“You kept it the same way because of me?”

“Uh-huh.”

Her cheeks are flushed, and a nostalgic smile clings to her lips when she slides a cup of fruit closer and flicks her gaze down.

“Your place is beautiful,” she says. “The town looks pretty too. How come you’ve never thought about moving away?”

“How come you’ve never thought about coming back?”

“I may return one day,” she says.

“Seriously?”

“Yes. I’m thinking about buying a piece of real estate, perhaps my parents’ house, if it’s still on the market.

I sip coffee.

“Hmm... Things do come full circle,” I say, my gaze shifting down as I set the cup on the table.

I raise my eyes and lock hers for a moment. She gives me a small smile before moving her focus to her food.

“You didn’t tell me anything about your other business...” I say.

She’s suddenly pale, a shadow flitting through her eyes.

“What other business?” she asks, guarded.

“We settled for the truth, Rain. And we’ve already agreed it’s a two-way street.”

She sets her fork down.

“How do you know about my other business?” she asks suspiciously. “Have you hired someone to follow me?”

I click my tongue.

“No. Eve told me. I wouldn’t have anyone following you. It’s not my style, although someone must have done it in the past.”

“What do you mean?”

She looks at me, bewildered.

“After Lex had paid you a visit...” I start, and my words make her blush again, “without my knowledge,” I add, prompting her to press her lips together into a guarded expression, “I received a few pictures of him kissing you.”

The light pulls out of her eyes, the color of her skin matching her dress.

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