Page 34 of Under My Skin
Putting his arms up in surrender, he takes a step back. “Nope. That’s the color. I’m done trying to figure this shit out.”
My eyes take in the space again, my lips pulling upward. “It will be great.”
Everett rubs a hand over his forehead. “I can’t handle making all these decisions. You should have seen me today when he asked me what type of countertop I wanted for the kitchen.”
My mouth twitches with amusement. “What did you pick?”
“Butcher block?” he says like he’s still not sure it’s the right answer.
“Love it,” I answer with a definitive nod.
His shoulders relax a little. “Cool.” A beat of silence passes between us, and he rocks back on his heels. “So, you saw your parents today.”
My body tenses, and the ease of being here with him disappears. “Yeah.”
When I don’t say anything else, I expect him to fire off questions. Instead, he just says, “I’m here if you want to talk about it.”
I wring my fingers and nod. The conversation with my parents flashes in my mind. How can they be so kind and so deceptive? I loved seeing them, but I hated it just as much. Everything about their situation has my head spinning. I’ve been thinking about it all day, and I’m still no closer to understanding.
“Do you know why they’re getting a divorce?” I blurt.
Everett’s eyes widen. “Uh, no. Not really. Why are they getting a divorce?”
“I don’t know!” I throw my arms up in exasperation. “They just keep saying these vague things about starting a new chapter, but it makes no sense. There has to be a reason, and whatever it is, it’s something they don’t want me to know.” I cross my arms. “You know, today I flat out asked if one of them cheated.”
He frowns. “And I’m assuming they said no?”
“Yup.” My eyes narrow. “But why else would they split up? They’d both probably be open to marriage counseling or some type of help. None of this makes sense.”
“Yeah. I was surprised when Simon told me, but you never know what someone’s relationship is like unless you’re in it.” I glare at him, and he lets out a light chuckle. “It’s true. Maybe they’ve already tried therapy. Maybe they’ve exhausted all efforts, but they didn’t want to worry you. It’s possible.”
Something inside me softens and sinks at the same time. I guesshe’s right. My parentscouldhave already done all those things, but it doesn’t feel like they have. It feels like this is a snap decision. I rub my face, letting out a groan behind my hands. “I hate this.” When I don’t hear him say anything after a moment, I form a crack with my fingers to peek at him. “Are you judging me?”
He grins. “No, I’m not judging you.” His smile is so disarming I believe him.
Blowing out a breath, I let my arms fall by my sides. “Good.”
“Come on.” He nods toward the staircase. “I’ll take you back to your brother’s.”
And just like that, I’m tense again. I already survived one motorcycle ride today. I’m not trying to push my luck.
Everett appraises me, amusement shining behind his eyes. “Aw, come on. Don’t tell me you’re still scared? You were a pro this morning.”
I beg to differ, but instead of arguing, I glance out the far window surrounded by unfinished drywall. “But it’s dark outside.”
He follows my gaze. “Yeah, that happens at night.”
Turning my attention back to him, I cross my arms. “Your bike is black.”
“I know it is,” he says slowly, his brow furrowing.
“And you wear a lot of black clothes.”
He looks down at himself before his eyes flick up to meet mine. “Is that a problem?”
It takes everything in me not to let my eyes scope down the length of his body the same way his just did. His dark jeans and black T-shirt hug his hips, chest, and biceps in a way that has no business drawing so much of my attention. “Cars won’t even see you right now.” It feels like a lie. Even with the helmet on and his face hidden, I’m sure most drivers on the road would notice him. I don’t even like motorcycles, but I like the way Everett looks on one.
He lifts his head, a teasing smile playing at the corner of his mouth. “That’s what the headlight is for.”
