Page 42 of Fragile Touch (Fragile 1)
Uh-oh, did I just spark something bad?
“Bear with me while I try to speak in words that girls understand best.” Lillian knew he meant it to be silly, but his voice was serious. “Last night hurt me because it reminded me of a bad feeling.”
“I’m sorry, Cayden. I didn’t mean to—”
“It’s okay, just listen. I want to be honest with you. I was a freshman in high school when I found out my mom had been having an affair for a decade.”
Shit.
“My dad found out by accident. I don’t know exactly how. But I got home from school that day and I’ve never seen someone lose their soul and it show in their face.” He stared into the distance, lost in the memory. “I never saw him really, truly happy again. It helped when Mom moved out soon after. I pretty much lost touch with her.”
Lillian brought her feet up onto the chair and hugged her knees.
“So, when I got my first girlfriend towards the end of high school, I made sure to keep it honest and keep my distance from solo contact with other girls. Of course, I don’t look or act like the type that stays devoted to one person. But seeing my dad like that—and not just him, but also how my mom wilted like a flower—changed my perspective on relationships totally.”
“Cayden, I never meant for you to bring this up. I’m so—”
“That’s why I said I’m glad you did.” He took a sip of coffee from his mug. “I’ve never cheated on anyone I’ve dated. Like, been in a relationship with. But I’ve been cheated on. A girlfriend in college. I caught her.”
“Oh crap,” Lillian breathed.
“It’s whatever; I’m over it. When there’s no real label of what’s going on with someone, though, it’s that gray line. And sometimes there never gets to be a label. But when it comes up, that’s a different matter.”
“I’m...”
“Seriously, don’t say ‘sorry’ or anything like that.”
“You’re brave, Cayden.”
He looked up. “How so?”
“After seeing that happen with your parents, and after going through that yourself, it’s pretty amazing you even kept getting into relationships at all. Dared to take the risk, I mean.”
“You know...” Cayden flexed his muscles and put his hands behind his head, “underneath this tough, sexy exterior, I’m actually a sappy romantic.”
“Chick flicks and all?” Lillian tried to keep her eyes on his face, but couldn’t help looking at his biceps.
“Wine, cheese, the whole shebang. It makes me irresistible or something, I guess.” With a wink, he lowered his arms. “There’s my sad story. Your turn. Actually, no. Finish your breakfast first.”
“Is that a command?”
“Absolutely.”
Cayden, based on the pancakes, was a good cook. She didn’t mind the quiet between them while she finished at her own pace. The whole time he sat there, staring out the window until Gray Cat leapt onto his lap and made herself at home.
Lillian couldn’t help but feel a little jealous of her cat.
She swallowed the last bite. “My compliments to the chef.”
“Thank you, thank you. I would bow, but I’m currently unable to do so.” He rubbed his nose on Gray Cat’s face, and from the other side of the table she heard purring loud and clear.
“She likes you.”
“She’s not the only one.” He looked at Lillian. “That sounded better in my head.”
“I’m starting to gather that a lot of comments of yours sound better in your head.”
“Sounds about right. Listen, we don’t have all day. Chop, chop.”
