Page 80 of I Can't Help It

She pushes past Wyatt, her shoulder barely reaching his chest, and he tugs her dark-blond braid as payback. Then, without either of them saying another word, they start a nasty glare-off just as my phone buzzes several times.

Andddddd Luke is texting me.

Luke: Just making sure you didn’t forget about me.

He also sent a side-eye emoji.

Luke: But seriously, everything okay?

Luke: I might not even need the heating pad.

Doubtful.

“I need to go take care of some work stuff,” I drawl, inching away from the hostile duo. “But I’m sure I’ll see you guys later.”

I don’t bother waiting for any replies.

This heating pad isn’t going to stay relatively hot forever.

I make my way back to where I left Luke, and his pained expression is a clear sign that he definitely needs the heating pad. But I don’t give him a hard time about it since I feel bad for taking so long.

“Sorry,” I apologize, plopping down beside him, “Shy was on a phone call and then—”

“It’s okay,” he interrupts as I place the heating pad above his knee, “I was just worried about you.”

“I’m not the one with a cramping leg,” I remind him, linking my fingers through his. “Did massaging it help any?”

He offers a weak shrug. “I don’t feel like bawling my eyes out anymore. So, there’s that.”

“I’m sorry,” I apologize again, resting my head against his shoulder. “Is there anything else I can do to make it better?”

“No,” he says with a sigh. “I mean, at least not until I try to get up.”

We sit in silence for a few moments, and I know this isn’t the most ideal time to talk about Wyatt being here, but I have to say SOMETHING!

“So, Wyatt is here.”

No beating around the bush for me.

Luke’s body goes stiff. “What?”

“He was in the lobby getting ready to check in.” I say, lifting my head to peek at his face. “I guess Maren planned a little trip so they could enjoy a couple of days at the fall festival?”

Luke’s eyes are far away, like he’s deep in thought, but I just keep going. “He was surprised to see me. You didn’t tell him we were doing an on-site visit here?”

I obviously know he didn’t. But I’m wondering why he didn’t.

This was (and technically still is) a work trip. It’s not like we planned it as a couple’s retreat.

“He knows that I’m doing an on-site visit.” Luke uses his free hand to rub the back of his neck. “I just never mentioned where I was going. Or that I was going with anyone.”

I brush my thumb over his skin. “Well, I know you were going to wait until we were back home to talk to Wyatt…but considering the circumstances have changed…maybe you should do it sooner than later.” I tilt my head back just enough to place a kiss near his chin dimple. “That way he won’t be caught off guard when he sees us acting—”

“We should probably keep things low-key until I can talk to him,” he interrupts, slowly prying his hand away from mine. “I think that’s going to be the best option.”

I don’t think so.

But I bite my lip to keep myself from disagreeing with his plan. As much as I want him to go find Wyatt ASAP, so he can tell him that we have feelings for each other, I don’t want to be pushy. Or annoying. Or inconsiderate.

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