Page 73 of Secrets Hidden In The Glass

“It feels amazing to know I’m not crazy—just stressed out.”

“We’re going to fix that. No more stress—or not like you’re under now.”

She sighed. “I need to call Marion. Today. This afternoon when I finish my errands. No more excuses.”

He nodded. “You’ll feel better getting it over with.”

She groaned as she closed her eyes.

He kissed her chin. “I can be here with you if you want.”

She shook her head. “That’s a very nice offer, but I need to put on my big girl panties and take care of business.” Her smile faded a little. “I just hope this doesn’t end my career.”

He frowned. “How can it? You’re taking a break—staying on the island a little longer than first planned. That doesn’t mean your talent’s going to disappear.”

She sighed again. “You’re so logical.”

“I’m so right. Remember we established that last night?”

She chuckled. “Yes, we did.”

He brushed the hair back from her forehead. “I want you to take the time you need. I want to see more of those beautiful smiles. You’re so beautiful when you smile, Callie.”

She kissed him. “Thank you for this morning.” She pressed her lips to his again. “Matthew’s such a nice man.”

“He has been my whole life.”

She stroked her fingers along the back of his neck. “You’ve been my rock, Nate—so easy to depend on.”

“That’s what I’m here for.”

“I wish I could return the favor every once in a while.”

“I wake up with you in my bed every morning. You kiss me when I walk through the door every night and ask me about my day. You cook me delicious food and snuggle with me on the couch. You’ve helped my sister out of a jam—twice. I’d say things even out just fine.” He glanced at the clock and grimaced. “I hate to break this up, but we should probably put our clothes back on. I bet Shawn’s ready to get home to bed.”

She nodded. “If we must.”

He pulled himself free of her and went to the bathroom, cleaning up and coming back for his gun just as she was pulling on a clean pair of panties and jeans from her suitcase. “See? Having clothes over here is already coming in handy.”

“Yes, it is.” She sat down to put on her sneakers. “It’s going to be nice not having to run through the woods every time I need something.”

“Exactly.” He grabbed his jacket off the floor and walked downstairs with her. “I don’t know if I’ll have time to come over to the deli for lunch today.”

“Molly’s making black bean soup.” She plucked the white pharmacy bag off the table and moved to the sink.

He followed, watching her take a glass from the cupboard. “I love Molly’s black bean soup.”

“I’ll bring some home for you.” She turned on the tap and popped a pill from the package.

“Are you sure about that—taking the pill? I’m okay with using condoms.”

She put the pill on her tongue and drank the water.

Nate shrugged. “I guess that answers that.”

“This seems easier.” She set the glass on the counter. “I like the idea of being able to be spontaneous.”

The idea didn’t suck for him either.