Page 42 of Truth and Temptation
But it was also easy to forget. One phone call with my dad, and my head is right back in the family business, thinking of the next task I have to do. I may not enjoy my job, it may not be what I want to be doing with my life, but I’m good at it, and I’ll damn well do my best to make my family proud.
“Summer, the truth is, I don’t know what my plans are after next week. I have some upcoming commitments on the mainland I need to deal with, so I’m not exactly certain when I’ll be back.” Even though it isn’t a complete lie, I feel like shit. Every time I’m reminded of the fact that these people don’t know who I really am, it sucks. They’re good people. Friendly. The kind of people I would want to hang out with if I was Wyatt James, not Wyatt James Crawford.
A sound of dismay has me spinning around in my chair. If I thought Summer was disappointed by my answer, it’s nothing compared to the look on Paige’s face.
“You’re leaving in less than two weeks?” she asks in a small voice that sends a dagger to my heart.
Well, shit. Suddenly my clear head isn’t so clear anymore.
Chapter eighteen
Paige
“I…. Yeah, I have to go back to deal with some things. I was going to tell you tonight.”
At least he seems remorseful, but that doesn’t lessen the sharp pain I felt at hearing him tell Summer he was leaving so soon.
The rational side of my brain knew this day would come. It’s why I wanted to initiate the conversation with Wyatt about our relationship far sooner. But my fear of rejection was stronger than my desire for knowledge, and now I am paying the price.
I nod stiffly, then pick up the glass of beer closest to me and take a long drink, making a face at the bitter taste.
“Want me to get you some wine instead?” Wyatt asks gently, and I give him a small smile of thanks.
He steps away, and Summer leans across his vacant seat. “Paige, I’m so sorry. I had no idea you didn’t know he was planning to leave so soon. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. I knew he was only here temporarily.” I can’t say anything more because Wyatt returns and sets a glass of white wine in front of me before sitting back down and draping his arm over my shoulders and leaning in.
“Are we okay?” he murmurs into my ear, his hand playing with my hair that I left loose for the evening. It feels so soothing and intimate, my head automatically leans into his touch.
“Yes. Of course.” I keep my answer short because truthfully, I don’t know what to say. Am I okay? In what definition of the word? Am I happy he is leaving? No. Do I acknowledge that it was inevitable? Yes. Does that make me okay? I am uncertain.
My mixed emotions are made all the worse by the headache I have been fighting off since lunchtime. Coupled with the dry scratchy feeling in my throat, I suspect I am coming down with a cold. Suddenly, a bar with all of my friends who are happy in their loving relationships is the last place I want to be. I want to be in bed, with a cup of hot tea, and Polly curled up beside me.
“I think I’m going to head home. I’m not feeling very well,” I announce to the table, pushing my chair back. Wyatt stands up with me, his hand going to my lower back.
“Are you okay?” Summer asks, reaching her hand out to touch mine.
“Yes, I suspect my immune system is succumbing to a mild virus. That’s all.” I try to smile reassuringly, but given Summer’s worried look, I suspect it comes out differently.
“I’ll take you home.” Wyatt picks up my jacket and holds it open for me, and I slip it on gratefully. We say our goodbyes and make our way to the parking lot. I was able to get a ride with Serena, so when Wyatt leads me straight to his car and holds open the door for me, I go along easily. The entire drive to my house is filled with a heavy silence. Until, that is, we get to my house and pull into the driveway.
“The guys took me for a trail run today,” Wyatt says as we walk up to my front door.
This seemingly random comment takes me by surprise. Uncertain of how to respond, I simply say, “Oh.”
“Yeah, I guess Mila told Ethan and Jackson that I was important to you, and they needed to make an effort to get to know me.”
My hands freeze as mortification floods my veins. In light of what he just revealed regarding his plans to leave, this is even more inappropriate for my friends to do. “That must have been awkward. Wyatt, I am so very sorry for her interference. She had no right to push them into forcing a relationship with you.”
Wyatt’s hands cover mine, and he unlocks the door and ushers me inside. “It wasn’t awkward, Paige. It was fun. Your friends are great people.”
“Still, they should not be implying our relationship is something it is not.” I go to the kitchen and let Polly out of her crate, picking her up and hugging her wriggling body into my chest. Her small tongue licks my chin enthusiastically, providing an affectionate and loving touch I need right now. Even if I wish it were Wyatt providing that affection instead of a dog.
“What does that mean?”
I hear Wyatt pull out a chair behind me. Putting Polly down on the floor, I go to the stove and fill the kettle with water before facing him. When I do, he’s holding Polly, letting her cover his face in loving licks just as she did mine.
“I’m not sure what you’re asking, Wyatt. We aren’t in a defined relationship, are we? I realize we have never had a conversation about this, but the fact that you are only here temporarily has not escaped my attention.”
