Page 42 of Legacy of Lies
“What?”
“It’s not okay for you to be here. My—” She pressed her trembling lips together.
Like a man slowly drowning, reality dawned on him.
Of course. How stupid could he be?
In his companionship-starved brain, Garrison had built up their dinner and sexy kiss into something it wasn’t: a date. He’d never thought to ask about Sara’s relationship status; he had assumed she was single.
She had a boyfriend.
He gritted his teeth and studied the green-and-brown cloth pattern on the couch.
Second best. Again. Son of a bitch.
Story of his entire life.
He should leave. Now.
His gaze locked onto Sara’s shimmering eyes. She was in pain. He might be the perennial runner-up, but Garrison wouldn’t leave her injured. Wait. No. If she had a boyfriend here, why hadn’t he come running to help her? The situation made no sense. Shoving his pride to the side, he kept his hands to himself and stared at her, not certain what to do.
“I can help you.”
“No, please. You can’t be here.” Her head whipped back and forth; no doubt she searched for something—or someone.
“Can I call anyone for you, then?” he asked.
“No, there’s no one to call.” One tear slipped from a corner of a soulful brown eye.
Damn it, what was he supposed to do?
“A boyfriend?”
Her rattling laugh twisted something inside of his chest.
He shrugged. “I assumed.”
“No. There’s no one.”
The sound of her bitterness raked across his nerves and lifted his spirits at the same time. Which was worse? He wanted to use his ability to get the answers so badly, he’d sell his own sister’s powers to the highest bidder at this moment if it meant avoiding ethics in this damned situation. Which made him a complete bastard all over again.
“Um, okay.” Pat, pat on her shoulder. Like that was the only part of her body he could safely touch without his pants exploding. Shelby was correct. Hewasan idiot.
How about seeing to her well-being and security, asshole? Why don’t we try being unselfish?
Now Garrison was talking to himself. He took in a shaky breath and exhaled a steadier one.
“Sara, let me get this glass out of your foot and help you clean up the kitchen.”
“The kitchen.” Tears flowed. “Oh, no. The picture ...”
A woman crying. His kryptonite. “It’ll be fine. Just needs another frame.”
“No, you don’t understand. It’s broken.”
Even, white teeth chewed on her full lip, which swung his libido away from stooge and back to stalker. Not good.
“Never mind.” She didn’t meet his eyes but took a deep breath.
