Page 61 of That Time in Venice
“Push.”
“You realize you’re talking to the wrong guy,right?”
Her face transformed before him, from angry to weary. “You want to know what’s wrong? You want to talk? Fine. This relationship isn’t workingforme.”
“Bullshit. You’ve been happy. What’s wrong?” Reed remained in the same spot and folded his arms across hischest.
“What do you want metosay?”
“Tell me the truth. Don’t hit me in the gut with some nonsense about our relationship not working for you. Since when? I just met your mom and the rest of your family at your cousin’s wedding. A week ago I introduced you to myfamily.”
“I never asked you to introduce me to yourfamily.”
“So does that mean you don’t want to be a part of my life? You don’t want to be a part of Brielle’s life? Because if that’s the case, then you need to let me know right now. It’s one thing to play with my emotions, but I won’t let you play with mydaughter’s.”
Her eyes widened. “Don’t accuse me of playing games with her emotions or yours. That’snotfair.”
“Then what the hell is going on right now?” His voice had gotten louder, more panicked. “Is this just a fucking game where you mess with my head and rip my heart out? Are you punishing me for what I did sevenyearsago?”
“No!”
“Then why? Why are you saying our relationship isn’t working for you? I love you! What am I supposed to dowiththat?”
Reed froze. The shock of his words blindsided him. Her, too, apparently. Her mouth fell open. He hadn’t meant to admit his love for her in such a raw fashion, but the words were out there now. A scary and unfamiliar sensation beat his chest. He was wide open, his soul laid baretoher.
“Should I act as if the past couple of months didn’t mean anything?” he asked in aquietertone.
“That’s not what I said,” she whispered, soundingdefeated.
“Help me to understand,Anika.”
“You’re so perfect, Reed. You’re considerate and thoughtful. You’re a good father.” Her shoulders drooped. “Being with you is so hard,” she said in alowtone.
“It doesn’t have to be. If I’m doing something wrong,tellme.”
She stared at the wooden slats in theporch.
“Come inside so wecantalk.”
“No.”
“Whynot?”
“If I come inside, I’ll change my mind about what I havetodo.”
He didn’t like the sound of that at all. “If you’re afraid you’ll change your mind, then you aren’t really sure about your decision.” When she didn’t respond, he continued. “I don’t want to lose you. You’re important to me. Iloveyou.”
She lifted her gaze. “How long do you think your lovewilllast?”
He was in the fight of his life. He was definitelylosingher.
“I don’t see my love diminishing in the least. It hasn’t in seven years. I knew in Venice that you were the woman for me, but I was too chicken to do anything about it. I was dumb and young and thought I wanted to sow my wild oats instead. Had I been smart, I would’ve taken you up on your offer to stay intouch.”
She hugged herself and blinked away tears. “Everything you say is what I’ve wanted to hear. I want tobelieveyou.”
Her sadness tore up his soul. He wanted to ease the hurt and pain so evident in the depths ofhereyes.
“These aren’t only words. I’m speaking the truth. My truth. The truth of a grown, mature man who has learned what’s really important in life. It took me a while to figure things out, but I have. Whatever’s wrong, we can workthroughit.”
