Page 32 of Fortune's Control
“That’s very considerate.”
Hell, that’s me hinting she should stay there. How do you apologize when you don’t want to explain the reason? “We’ll talk more when I get back.”
“I started a job hunt.”
That particular piece of news never reached me, and gossip always wound up in my ears. Where did she go looking? “Okay,” I said, drawing out the word.
“That way, I can pay you back as soon as possible.”
“You know that’s unnecessary.”
“We both know it is, Shane.”
I suggested we talk when I return, and she skipped to the end, dropping this in my lap now, and her tone told me I couldn’t put her off it. Lilah probably wouldn’t accept my offer to stay in the house, either.
Aiden suggested I do the eye-roll inducing flowers and bended-knee routine. It was too late for the former, and I couldn’t manage the latter. I sat in the other chair, declaring it a fair compromise.
“Lilah, I’m sorry for the other night.”
Her face dropped, so her hair fell forward, hiding her features from me.
I went on. “That’s not what you deserved. If it matters, that kiss was real to me. I wanted it as much as you did. Probably more than you, and the only part I regret is the end. I’m sorry.”
“Thank you.” Lilah offered me several statements that sounded appreciative since our conversation began, but this was the first to sound genuine, as she needed to hear me apologize before any meaningful discussion could begin.
Aiden stepped onto the porch, waving his hands and performing an awkward chicken dance in case I forgot about our errand. I agreed to come along before my falling out with Lilah, and now I was stuck keeping my word.
“We’ll talk more when I return.” It gave me time to come up with an explanation. I took her closest hand in mine, admiring the iridescent pink polish on her nails. Lilah picked out a shade that reminded me of raspberries for our date. I stroked her ring finger, noticing the absence of any jewelry on her hands. “Stay here until I get back.”
She noticed my gesture and pulled her hand into her lap. “Do you order all your friends around, or is that a trait reserved for me?”
If Aiden heard that question, he’d answerwith a long parade of anecdotes. “It’s an expression of concern.”
“We can talk more when you get back. We should also talk about our marriage, Shane.”
“What about it?”
“It’s not real.”
I wasn’t in the mood to discuss it, and that wouldn’t change after a trip to Miami. Whatever brought her to Fortune’s Creek was unresolved, and she needed me until it was. If she wouldn’t volunteer the secret, there were other ways to find out.
“Our signatures on the license made it real, no matter how you see it.”
Aiden whistled to catch my attention. “If we don’t leave now, my business will up and die, and you’ll have that on your conscience for the rest of your life,” he yelled before resuming his chicken dance.
I stood with an exasperated sigh. “Dean and Jack will be around if you need them.”
“Drive safe, Shane.” She put her sunglasses back on and picked up her phone.
“You annoy me,” I told Aiden as we climbed into his truck.
“I’m charming. My humor gives our lives spice.”
I grunted a response. “Put your brother on speakerphone.”
“If you please, Aiden. Thank you so much, Aiden. You’re the best friend I’ve ever had, Aiden. You’re the light of my life, Aiden.”
“Please put Dean on the phone so I don’t punch you in the face.”
