Page 30 of Concealed

“That’s all I see when I look at you… Just you, Rebecca.”

When she tilts her head and licks her full lips, there’s no question in my mind what she wants. And I’m just about to deliver when an ear-piercing shriek from the pool shatters the moment like broken glass.

Rebecca laughs and leans back in the chair while I curse every god I can think of.

“You know, when Matt was at work, I had weekly virtual appointments with a therapist because it was too hard to get out of the house. For years, I was planning to leave, but I just… couldn’t pull the trigger. Until the choice was made for me.

“It wasn’t even that I thought I could change him, at least not toward the end. I just didn’t think I could manage on my own, and that even if I escaped, he would find me. I was scared to stay and scared to go. That probably doesn’t make sense.”

My thumb strokes the soft skin of her hand, and she leans in closer to me again.

“Look, Rebecca, I’m a big dude. I can’t even begin to understand how it feels to be a small woman taking hits from someone three times my size. So, it doesn’t make sense to me, but that doesn’t mean I can’t sympathize and be here for you.”

Tears well in her eyes, and her voice is thick when she replies. “I appreciate it.”

“I know the psychology is complicated,” I continue. “I know how emotionally beaten down abusers make you feel. But I can’t imagine living through it, and I certainly don’t judge you for staying. I sure am proud of you for leaving, though.”

“Thanks, Wyatt,” she whispers.

And instead of getting the chance to kiss her, I watch her walk back into the house to finish making the dinner I suddenly don’t give a shit about.

Chapter 8

Rebecca

Ihavenoideawhat’s happening between me and Wyatt, but it’s both welcome and unexpected. It’s been years since I was able to be so carefree in a man’s company, and it proves that I do have the capacity to heal and step into the version of myself that I want to be.

Every day without Matt is easier. Not that I ever missed him – quite the opposite. But I’m less fearful and less worried that he’s going to find me as the days pass.

Surely, he would be here already if he was coming after me.

Trying to focus on my workout is next to impossible because all I can think about is Wyatt. I’ve had to recount my lunge reps at least three times now, and my legs are the equivalent of wet noodles.

I’m fairly certain Wyatt was about to kiss me when we had dinner on his day off. It’s been so long since I’ve been desired – truly desired – by anyone.

And a guy as smoking hot as Wyatt? Talk about an ego boost.

Shit.

How many was that now?

I went from my first long-term relationship straight into another one with Matt, but that doesn’t mean I’m incapable of a casual hook-up. It just means I haven’t exactly done it yet.

But I’m getting way ahead of myself.

Last night, Wyatt worked overtime and didn’t get home until after eleven pm, and I was already half-asleep. We haven’t seen each other sinceitalmost happened, whateveritis.

He’ll probably be late again, so I’m working out in the spacious living room. I won’t be interrupted while I obsess over him and pretend my focus is on my workout.

If only I could manage to count to ten consistently.

Luckily, I had a full home gym in Vegas because while Matt wanted me to look good, he didn’t want me to leave the house. I can’t wait to join a hot yoga studio and maybe take some spin classes once I have money coming in that I’ll actually be able to control.

Damn, distraction is going to be good for my physique because I do three more lunges just to make sure that I didn’t cheat.

I was able to bring a set of connecting dumbbells, some resistance bands, and my yoga mat, but that’s all I could fit into the car.

Health has always been a priority for me, but Matt made me focus far too much on how I look by constantly calling me fat and gross, and insisting that no one else would ever want me.

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