Page 160 of Accidental Husband
Fuck, it's been so long since I've slept in her bed. Or invited her into mine. I missed the warmth of her body. The softness. The way she murmurs in her sleep.
At ten minutes to checkout, I do a final sweep, roll my suitcase to the elevator, pay my bill in the lobby.
Fuck, my head hurts. The shitty fluorescent lighting in the restaurant doesn't help. Nor does Dean and Chloe's giggling.
It's great they're happy and in love.
That it's easy for them to communicate and express their emotions.
They don't have to make it so obvious.
I shrug my shoulders. Cross my legs. Order a cup of coffee.
Dean takes a long look at me and shakes his head. "Day two of married life harder than day one?"
I flip him off.
He chuckles his usual good-natured chuckle.
Chloe whispers something in his ear.
He shakes his headno way.
"Is everything okay?" She takes a long sip of her tea.
Usually, I keep everyone out of my business. I keep everyone as far away from my business as possible.
It's safer.
But it's lonely too.
I need help. I hate to admit it, but I do. "No."
"You want to talk about it?" she asks.
"You're a woman." I bring my eyes to hers.
"What tipped you off?" Dean teases.
I ignore him. "You ever want space?"
"Sure. Who doesn't?" She turns to Dean. Half-smiles. "Well… Most people do."
He wraps his arm around her.
"How do you tell him?" I ask.
"Bluntly," Dean says.
She nods. "I'm not the most tactful."
"And I am?" I arch a brow.
She laughs. "It's always hard. Even when you love someone. Things get lost in translation."
"Yeah." My gaze shifts around the diner. It's as nondescript as it gets. Beige walls. Red booths. Grey tables. Like it's trying to be forgettable.
"It's not really my place, Griff, but have you considered not staying married?" Chloe's voice is soft. Caring. "That's a lot of extra pressure on a relationship."
