Page 103 of Wicked Little Secret

She got up and pulled the lasagna from the oven and set it on the stove to cool before she cut it.

“Can I ask you a question?” she asked as she set the oven mitts on the counter.

“Shoot.”

“What happened to our truce?”

“What do you mean? We’ve been getting along.”

“Sure, but we used to… talk more, and stuff.”

Like, you know… have sex? Cuddle? Kiss?

He didn’t pick up her cues.

“I’m sorry. I know we did. I’ve just been busy with work, and I’ve been trying to give you time with Sawyer before you go back to work. Which reminds me. Do you know what day you’re planning on moving out? I want to be sure to be off that day so I can help you.”

Jesus, why don’t you just show me the door now?

“I don’t have that much. Just my clothes and I’ll take some of Sawyer’s, too.”

“Of course. When you know your work schedule we’ll be able to plan our schedule for him.”

Part of her had been secretly hoping he’d realize he didn’t want her to leave, and would find a way to insist that she stay. Apparently, he couldn’t wait to get rid of her.

Which must have been what made her blurt out, “I’m thinking about going back to work next week. Rose really needs me—she’s swamped.”

That waskindatrue. Rose was swamped, but no more than normal. The temporary doctor they’d hired to fill in for Olivia was working out great. So great, the two had talked about offering her a partnership in the practice.

He put Sawyer in the bouncy seat and walked slowly to the cupboards with the plates in it.

“Next week? Are you sure you’re ready? Can’t you just go back a few days a week to start?”

She could. Especially if they asked Dr. Lane to join their business.

“I don’t think so.”

“Hmm. Okay, well, we’ll make it work, then.”

They’ll make it work.

Not, “don’t go,” or “Please stay.”

No, they’d fucking make it work.

Chapter Forty-Three

Olivia

“I think that’s everything,” Maverick said when he brought the last suitcase from the Cullinan inside her house.

He looked around the house that hadn’t been lived in for three months.

“Your place is nice. It suits you. I can see why you didn’t want to leave it.”

I did want to, but you didn’t want me, so here I am.

“Thank you. I think it’s going to feel like living in squalor after living at your house all this time.”

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