Page 80 of Lost Love

Well, if I hadn’t sealed my fate prior, then that ought to confirm things for Pepper. She deserved to be happy, and if Jake was her happiness, I needed to concede. It was the last thing I wanted, but it was the only way. I needed her to be happy, and I was willing to pay the price for that. Pushing her toward Jake was the only way forward for both of us.

The server returned, handing my card back. “Thank you for coming to La Trattoria. Hope to see you all again soon.”

“Not too soon,” I mumbled, standing to pull out Francesca’s chair.

* * *

“Jake seems nice.” Francesca’s legs were close in the back seat of my ride.

“Nice? He’s immature, don’t you think?”

“Oh, I don’t know. It’s young love.”

“I don’t think they’re in love.”

“You seem very observant of the pair tonight. I know you’re all friends, but you seemed to be a little standoffish toward both him and Pepper. Is there anything I should know?”

Fuck.

“No. If I’m short, it’s because I have a lot on my plate. I agreed to take you out tonight. You were the one wanting to join another table, not me.”

“You’re right, but that kiss, I’d like more than that tonight,” she said, rubbing her legs against me.

“Sorry, not tonight, Francesca… we’re taking it slow, remember?”

Her hand hovered over the zipper of my pants.

“Don’t get any ideas. The driver’s taking you home.”

She looked outside the window, presumably to check I was right.

“What the fuck, Connor?”

“Sorry, I have a ton of emails.”

“Is this how it’s going to be?”

“We’re both in a marriage that they forced us to be in. What did you expect?”

She huffed as the car came to a standstill.

“Did you ever imagine what life would be like if we weren’t together?” I asked.

“What?” She smoothed down her blonde hair against her bony shoulder.

“Haven’t you had boyfriends?”

“Of course, I’ve had many lovers.”

“Have you ever been in love?”

“Why are you asking me this?” She narrowed her eyes. A flicker of sadness washed across her face. But with that frozen shit pumped into her skin, it was hard to tell if there was movement or I was just imagining it?

“Never mind,” I said, reaching over and pushing open the car lever.

“You’re being strange, Connor. I hope it’s just because of the new role and the stress. Please tell me I have nothing to worry about.”

I sucked in a breath. She was right. Our fate was sealed. It made no sense to dally in the world of what-ifs. That would only lead to disappointment and heartache.

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