Page 32 of The Lie That Stole Christmas

“I was afraid he wouldn’t let me play with you again.”

Back then, losing her had frightened him.Somewhere along the way, walking away from her had become easier.

Painfully aware that he hadn’t let go of her arm, she glanced down.His thumb rubbed absently over her sleeve, sending a warm flush straight through her.

His gaze followed hers.He released her as though he’d only just realized he was touching her.

The loss irritated her almost as much as the relief.

Her attention shifted to the drugstore bag clutched in his other hand.“What’s that?”

Surprise flashed across his face before he shoved the bag beneath his coat.“Nothing.”

Ashley stared at him.“You drove all the way to Greenwich for nothing?”

“Something I needed for the estate.”

She studied him, waiting for more, but he only held her stare with infuriating calm.He was lying.Just like yesterday.Had those two kids who ran through the sprinklers, laughing and moving to their own beat, really become strangers?

“Still lying, I see.”

His expression hardened.“Not everything is your business.”

“No.Apparently, almost nothing is.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

A humorless laugh burst from her lips.“You asked what would happen if things were different this time.I asked whether you would follow me when I left, and you walked away.Now you’re standing here pretending we never had that conversation.”

His jaw tightened.“I’m not pretending.”

“Then what are you doing?”

“Trying not to make promises I don’t know if I can keep.”

The blunt answer struck her more deeply than another lie would have.“At least that’s honest.”

“You said you couldn’t survive wanting me again.”

It was already too late.As infuriating as he was, the fire that always burned brighter for him had reignited.

Her eyes returned to the bag hidden beneath his coat.Maybe it was condoms.Maybe someone was waiting for him at Winterridge while he stood here telling her that nothing was her business.

Her chest tightened at the image, unwelcome jealousy rearing to life.Ridiculous.She had no claim on him, but that didn’t stop it from rushing through her.

A gust of wind swept across the street, carrying the scent of snow and cedar.Carter stepped closer, his large frame blocking the cold from hitting her full force.

He always protected her.Even now.

His eyes flicked to her mouth for the briefest second before his jaw tightened.

“I should get going.”

“Of course.”Ashley stepped back, realizing how little space was between them.

Carter’s Adam's apple bobbed as if he had more to say but was swallowing the words.“Have fun shopping.”

Ashley stood on the sidewalk and watched him make his way to his truck, as if they were nothing more than two strangers passing in the snow.