Page 51 of Show Me How to Heal
This morning I’d have said we were unofficially dating. Maybe boyfriends. After the way he’d hightailed it out of my shop, I hadn’t been sure. And when I’d opened my gift, I’d just been more confused about what was going on than ever.
“I like him,” I said. “Can we leave it at that? We haven’t decided on a label yet.”
But I wanted to, and I think on some level I needed a label even if I’d been the one who’d been against dating in the first place. However, this weird in-between place didn’t work for me.
“That’s fair,” Avery said. “I still need more information, though. I barely had a chance to see him with all the people in the store. How’d you meet?”
“You remember a couple of weeks ago when I ghosted you, Mason, and Carter for a hook-up? That was him. We had sex, I panicked because I didn’t want to let him go, but I also didn’t think I was in a position to start a relationship, so instead, I offered him a job. Since he was unemployed, he agreed. So here we are… A weird combination of former hook-ups, friends with benefits, boss and employee, and possibly dating. All in one.”
Avery raised his brows, his glasses sliding down on his nose. “You know,” he said dryly, “in romance novels, the authors usually decide on one scenario beforehand. They don’t just cram everything into one story, let alone one couple. Are you sure you’re not secretly arch enemies with him, too?”
“Pretty sure.” I snorted.
Avery was right. Luke and I, we had too much going on at once. It was time to behave like an adult and talk to him. The shop being open lifted a huge weight off my shoulders, making it easier to focus on what was important.
“For now, let’s just say I really like him. He’s incredibly thoughtful and kind, and a hard worker. I mean, I don’t pay him that much, but he’s so motivated, he’s making me feel bad for not paying him more. Especially since he probably needs the money. I’m a little worried about his financial and living situation. He won’t let me see his house. I’m afraid he’s ashamed.”
Adam returned my gesture, him being the one who compassionately placed his hand on my forearm now.
“Be there for him, show him you won’t judge, and he’ll come to you.” Thelike meleft unspoken.
“I will.” I wiggled with my toes, a smile forming on my lips as the warmth once again unfurled in my chest. “Enough about me. What’s going on in your lives right now? We didn’t have nearly enough time to catch up lately.”
“I found an apartment in town,” Corey announced.
“I’m… thinking about ending my relationship,” Adam mumbled.
“Mason and I might get a pet.”
I smiled, listening to my friends talking all over each other. This was great, but it would be even better if Luke were here with me.
DID HE FLEE THE COUNTRY?
A SOURCE SAYS FORMER FOOTBALL STAR LUKAS RICHTER MIGHT NOT LIVE IN GERMANY ANYMORE.
Chapter 13
Luke
The next day, I was up bright and early, sitting at my breakfast bar, a mug of coffee in hand, staring outside into the foggy forest. It was early, not even seven am, but I’d already been awake for two hours. I’d spent the majority of the time tossing and turning in my huge ass, king-size bed, unable to fall back asleep.
I’d given up on trying half an hour ago.
At least I was able to have breakfast in peace. And quiet. Because everything was quiet. God, I really started hating this amazing house. It was beautiful, a dream come true, but without other people living here — possibly five or six others — it was just too empty.
Whereas the silence had been comforting in the beginning, a sign I was truly alone, no paparazzi standing outside my apartment shouting for me to come out, it’d quickly become stifling.
Maybe getting a dog wasn’t the worst idea I’d ever had.
Then again… I couldn’t get a dog just to leave him alone the whole day while I was working. That wasn’t healthy for the dog. I’d need to speak with Zayne about bringing him to work. And there was the fucking limp.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, inhaling the coffee aroma, letting the scent wash through me like a calming wave. I’d need to get used to the limp. My PT had told me as much. But I should be able to forgo the crutches soon. That was good.
And I didn’t need a young, fit, high-energy dog, did I?
Maybe an older dog or a couch potato.
Shaking my head, I opened my eyes again. I was getting ahead of myself. What I needed to do first was talk to Zayne. No matter how much I didn’t want to.
