Page 164 of Vows We Never Made
“Fuck, Hattie.”
I blink back some tears with mixed success.
“Ethan, it’s—it’s fine.”
The pathetic way my voice cracks gives me away.
He caresses my face with both hands, smoothing away the tears.
“I never meant to make you cry like this, Pages. I’m sorry. It’s been a confusing day and I—fuck, never mind. No excuses.”
“It’s fine,” I lie, pulling away and wiping the back of my hand on my cheeks.
Moisture wets my skin like the soggy mess I am.
“Too many damn surprises lately,” he rumbles, taking my hand and clenching it tight. “I never meant to go off on you. If you’re questioning your looks, then—”
“No.” I take a step back. “No, don’t say it.”
“You’re gorgeous. You know that, right?”
Gorgeous.
Normally, just hearing it would make my heart flutter.
But now, it feels like one of those code words men only use when they want to screw you over.
At least Ethan still wants to screw me, even if that’s all he wants.
“I really should get out of here. We’re making a scene. I’ll get an Uber back,” I say coolly, relieved to find my voice is finally calm. “You’ve got all your family business here and you’re right, I’m not a part of it. It’s none of my business. I got a few ideas from the booksellers in New York, so I’m going to head home early and work on planning, if that’s okay?”
He nods slowly.
It’s a flimsy excuse, but it feels right.
This is what I need.
Space.
Time to clear my head and try to do something productive, without pushing anyone’s heart through a cheese grater.
Ethan threads a hand through his thick hair.
“You don’t have to leave alone, Hattie. Just because we had an argument.”
“Actually, I wouldn’t mind heading home early, if there’s any way I can fly back to Portland?” I ask. “I don’t want to put you out, and if you need to stay and touch base with Margot or your family… I understand.”
“You won’t be in the way,” he growls.
“I’ll take Ares, too,” I say, thinking on my feet. “I think he’s happier in Maine. More seagulls to chase. Or, y’know, tire himself out barking.”
My lame joke falls flat.
“Pages,” Ethan says, but there’s a resigned sigh in his voice.
He knows this isn’t an argument he’ll win.
“It’s fine. It’s okay. I’m okay. I promise.”
