Page 43 of Fragile Touch (Fragile 1)
“I don’t have an option of what to talk about?”
“Technically you do, but you know what I’m interested in.”
His face was so genuine she felt much more at ease. She started with the minor health problems a couple of years ago, running through the tests and doctor’s appointments and colonoscopies and scans until finally they arrived at the diagnosis of Crohn’s. Seeing the confusion on his face as he tried to piece it all together, she explained in clear terms what it meant, just like she told Amelia’s mother.
“That sounds...not fun. No offense.” He gave an embarrassed laugh.
“It’s not. But I don’t have it as bad as a lot of people.”
“Really?” His eyes flickered to the bottles.
“Well, I don’t have it easy either. I have to work extra hard to get enough nutrients and keep track of foods that trigger flare-ups.”
He thought about it for a few seconds. “Is it dangerous?”
“I do really good keeping it under control. There’s not a lot to worry about at this point, I think. Stress is a big trigger for me.”
“I’m guessing I haven’t exactly helped with that.”
She waved him off. “It’s fine. I let myself get stressed a lot.”
Gray Cat raised her head to sniff at the remaining syrup on Cayden’s plate. “Stop that. Syrup isn’t good for you, kitty,” he said, gently pushing the cat’s head aside with his big hand. “Okay, is it my turn?”
Glancing at the clock, she replied, “I believe we’ve got time for one more.”
“I like you and I want a label on this.”
She didn’t realize what he had said until afterwards. It all came out in one blurt and she felt her face become cherry-red just as quickly. “What?”
“You heard me.”
At a loss, she fumbled for a response. “But, Cayden, why me? I mean, you train and hang out with hot women. Strong ones. Ones who like to party and have fun and have a big social circle.” As she spoke, visions of all the women he probably came into contact with weekly flashed in her mind. “I’m the opposite of all that. Some days it hurts to walk to the mailbox, and I’m anything but strong and—”
“Are you trying to explain your every weakness to me?” he interrupted.
“No. I just don’t get it, to be honest. It’s so easy for someone like me to look at you and want you.” She was working herself up. “It doesn’t make sense.”
“Lil, do you see yourself?” It was such a simple question, she couldn’t reply. “If you could try, for just a second, to see yourself through my eyes.”
There was a long silence. “It still doesn’t make sense to me.”
He leaned forward, looking her directly in the eyes. “Not trying to get you before someone else does would be a waste of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You charm the hell out
of me, Lil, and I consider it some act of fate that you aren’t taken already.”
That feeling of detaching from her body came back, and all she could hear was blood pulsing in her ears.
“So,” he broke the silence, “will you give me—and us—a chance?”
Chapter 9
Yes. She’d told him yes.
“Oh, I forgot to tell you! I printed out all these photos for inspiration and put them in this binder,” Claire called from the other room as Lillian slung her bag over her shoulder and quickly focused on where she was. “Could I show you quickly? Do you have another couple of minutes?”
Not right now, Lillian thought, but smiled gracefully. “I would love to, Claire, but I have another appointment and I’ve got to get going.”
“Could you come back afterwards? I’ll be happy to pay you for another hour.” The woman, who was so short she didn’t even reach Lillian’s shoulders, gave her a look that nearly read as desperation.
