Page 87 of Wrecked
She looks back at me and offers a small smile. “It’s supposed to be my trial law textbook.”
A grin pulls at the corner of my mouth. “What is it, actually?”
Her cheeks turn pink, and she clears her throat. “A romance novel.” She swallows hard, and something tells me she’s at a really good part in thisromance novel.
“A smutty romance?” I ask, raising a brow and hiding my smile.
She peeks up at me, tugging her lips to one side, trying to hold back her laugh. “Extremely. And you just interrupted the good part.”
“Well, don’t mind me.” I point to her book. “Carry on. I’ll just watch.” I grin, leaning forward and putting my elbows on the table. She laughs quietly and picks up the novel.
A few seconds later she looks up at me, raising her eyebrow in question. When I don’t look away, her eyes move back down to her book. I bring my coffee cup to my mouth, taking a large sip.
“He slides my panties down my legs, kissing the inside of my thighs as he works his way down my body…” I cough on my coffee, spitting most of it on the ground as I try to control my laugh. She smiles wide, her ocean blue eyes sparkling. “It seemed like you wanted in on the story. Was I wrong in assuming?” She grins while tucking her lips. It’s a shy move; one I used to see Ellie do early in our relationship.
I like this girl. There is something about her that I just connect with. If my heart didn’t already belong to Ellie, I could maybe even fall for her someday. But I can’t, and I won’t. I could spend every day for the rest of my life trying, but it would be a waste of both of our time. I found my soulmate when I was eighteen, there will never be anyone else for me.
“Well, that’s definitely not Romeo and Juliet,” I say, enjoying our banter.
She laughs softly. “They absolutely willnotbe teaching this in high school.” She looks at me for a long moment, like she’s considering what to say. I can tell she doesn’t have a lot of experience with men, which is surprising considering her beauty. “Well, I should probably get going, the table is all yours.”
“You’re leaving before I have the chance to ask you out?” My lips curve to one side, her bashfulness is a breath of fresh air.
A soft smile forms on her lips, and she ducks her head trying to hide her reaction to me. When she looks back up, her eyes are bright…happy.
I did that.
I made her feel that way, and it feels damn good. I haven’t felt this relaxed or at ease in years.
“Okay, Romeo.” She lifts her arms and lets them fall to her side. “I’m still here. Go ahead and ask me.”
I bite back my grin and look at her seriously. “Thus with a kiss I die,Juliet,” I recite, playing along. “Have dinner with me tonight?” I ask, and honestly, I mean it. I want to spend time with her.
Just not in the same way Nathaniel wants me to.
Not in the same way she’s currently looking at me. My heart cracks at her hopeful expression. The relaxation I just felt fizzles out.
I’m going to hurt her.
“Okay,” she nearly whispers. “Do you have a name? Or wouldyou prefer Romeo?” she jokes, her tone soft and sweet. I like the sound of it.
“I’m Nathan.”
“Nice to meet you, Nathan. I’m Katie.” She beams…
…And I break.
CHAPTER 39
ELLIE (PRESENT)
Rain pelts against the rock wall outside of our shelter as lightning continues to flash above the tree line. The roar of thunder echoes within the confines of the cavern, wrathful and deafening.
No. That’s not the sound of thunder.
That’sme.
I stand here, immersed in my anger as Nate tells me how he ended up with my sister.
