Page 93 of Shattered

“Why?”

“Because I think you’ll look pretty in it,” Kristin pleaded.

“Seriously? I’ve known you too long, Kristin. You are always scheming. What’s your plan here?” Kristin visibly deflated with the knowledge that Sam had figured her out.

“I think Callum will go crazy when he sees you wearing that.”

“Why? It’s not sexy or anything.”

“That’s the point.” Kristin threw her hands up in the air.

“I don’t get it. It looks like something I would wear to meet up with your grandma.”

“Exactly. You will look innocent as hell in that. And I’m pretty sure that will drive him insane.”

“And that’s what I want? To drive him insane?”

“Yeah. It is.”

Sam ran the cotton fabric between her fingers and deeply exhaled.

“Kristin, to be honest. I don’t know if I want to continue this back and forth thing he and I keep doing.”

“But you like him, right?”

Sam hesitated a moment before answering.

“Yes, I do.” It was barely a whisper, as if she wasn’t sure she wanted to finally voice the truth out loud. “I really do. I feel more for him than I ever felt for Christian or anyone else. It’s like he understands me better than anyone.” Then she cut her eyes over to Kristin. “No offense.”

“None taken.”

“But I can tell there’s something holding him back, you know? He is so damn closed off. It’s like he has this wall built up to keep everyone out. I mean, we are so good together and we have fun, and…and...” Sam trailed off, trying to figure out how to explain it better, but Kristin always understood what she was trying to say, even when Sam didn’t.

“It’s okay. I get it.” Kristin placed her hands on Sam’s shoulders and gave her a knowing look. “Have y’all had sex yet?”

Sam rolled her eyes in response.

“If we had, you would’ve been the first to know.”

Kristin nodded. “I figured. But you’ve come close right?”

“Yeah. A few times. He wanted me to stay with him in his room last night, but I told him no. Now I’m worried he’ll be upset or think I don’t want him anymore when we show up.”

“I doubt it. From the way Micah was talking last night, Callum basically thinks you walk on water.”

Sam scoffed.

“Have you told him about your past?”

“I haven’t brought it up yet.”

“Sam. How do you expect to get to know someone if you don’t share things about yourself as well?”

Sam turned toward the window and tried to tame her unruly hair.

“He isn’t going to judge you and run.”

But that was exactly Sam’s fear.

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