Page 137 of The Secrets We Keep

The moment we got on the dance floor, she turned and wrapped her arms around my neck. “Well then, I guess it’s good that I am.”

My hands instinctively went to her waist, and I nearly groaned when I came in contact with all that exposed skin. “Do you have any surprises under here for me?” I asked, remembering the lacy lingerie.

She bit down on her lip and grinned.

“Yes,” she answered as we began to move. “Absolutely nothing.”

“Jesus,” I swore as my hand slid lower. Dangerously lower. I heard her breath catch as I pulled her close. Close enough to feel how much I needed her.

“We can leave now,” she promptly announced, her voice barely a whisper.

“Thank fuck.”

I grabbed her arm and tugged her off the dance floor. She laughed as I pulled us toward the exit. I was very motivated.

“Macon!”

Dammit. So close.

Every bone in my body tensed as we turned to see Sheriff Hayes and Kristy walk up to us. The sheriff was all smiles in his stupid bow tie as he extended a hand toward us.

“Good to see you.” He beamed.

All I wanted to do was walk away. He deserved nothing less.

But I knew better than to make a scene.

So, instead, I reached out and shook the bastard’s hand, not bothering to say a word.

“Marin, is it?” he said, barely giving a glance in her direction.

She gave a curt nod. The asshole knew her name. Marin smiled politely at Kristy, who did the same.

Her dress was elegant and simple, but she looked downright uncomfortable in it, and I couldn’t help but notice the cavernous gap between her and her husband.

His arm was snaked around her, but she was as far away from him as she could be.

It was like watching two mismatched magnets being forced together.

It made me feel the slightest bit of sympathy for her, but she’d chosen this.

She’d chosen this over me.

“So, I guess everything worked out, huh?” He leaned back on his heels, seemingly pleased with himself.

“What?” I asked, a bit taken aback.

“It’s just”—the sheriff motioned between me and Marin—“you seem pretty happy now, right?”

Was he taking credit for our relationship? For Marin and me?

I nearly lunged for him, but a slight movement from Kristy kept me from lashing out.

Her eyes were wide.Don’t, she mouthed.

Her words from the grocery store came back to me.

“You have to stop pushing him.”

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