“You can do better than that.”
“Laney, what’s your number so I can take you out for a drink? Was that better?”
“Much.” I handed him my phone just as the hair on the back of my neck stood on end. Almost like someone was watching me. I scanned the tables around us, but no one stood out. I shook it off and blamed residual guilt. I’d grab drinks with Matt even if Connor and I were together. I would’ve told himabout it, and he wouldn’t have cared. Yet it felt weird to let Matt call me by my maiden name.
Damn. All my business stuff was set up in my married name. I’d have to change that and go back to Whitfield.
“It was so good seeing you.” He pulled me in for another hug, squeezing me for an extra beat. “I want to hear about everything cool, and I can fill you in on how nothing has changed at Beaumont High School.”
“I have a photography event tomorrow but am free after that.”
“Any night, I’ll cancel plans. You tell me.”
I snorted as he waved and walked the other way. Then that prickly feeling returned. I had no reason to feel guilty, and I forced the worry away. Instead, I focused on my assignment, taking photos of the couples. Another Cherrywood special was requiring everyone to dress in red or green. As a photographer, I loved the cohesion. It made the photos instantly more cheerful, and a pang formed in my chest. I’d missed this place so much.
“Laney, who was that guy?”
I stilled.Connor.Swallowing the tightness in my throat, I kept my eye on the camera. “Why are you here? Were you following me?”
“What? No. I didn’t have food and walked to the grocery store and happened to recognize your coat…” He trailed off and cleared his throat. “And saw a guy hugging you and making you laugh.”
It was the slight crack of his voice on the last word that made my guilt grow. Connor once told me that my laugh was his favorite part of me, and that every time he heard it, he wantedto keep it. He never cared about my guy friends but felt a pang whenever my laughter was directed at anyone other than him.
I let the camera hang around my neck and finally met Connor’s gaze. Despite not owing him an explanation, I wanted to provide one. Ease any worry. “It was just Matt. We went to high school together and haven’t seen each other in years.”
“High school boyfriend Matt?” he asked. His nostrils flared as he stared at my left hand. “Please say no.”
“We dated a decade ago. That has nothing to do with this. He’s a great guy, and we ended on good terms. You know this. I’m not sure what this”—I gestured to him—”is, but me hugging Matt is not a big deal at all.”
“Laney, you are gorgeous, and now he thinks you’re single. It is a big deal because any man that knows you and dated you will do anything to get back with you. Trust me.” He exhaled and ran a hand over his face, his wedding ring very much visible. “Tell me, did he ask you if you were married?”
I nodded because I was a terrible liar.
“And what did you say? The truth, I hope.”
“Connor, I’m at a job I’m getting paid for. I need to photograph everyone.” I didn’t want to have this chat here, where my neighbors could hear us. Everyone knew everyone, and I didn’t want to be a part of the gossip.
“So you told him you’re leaving me.” A muscle twitched in his cheek. “He thinks he has a shot now.”
“Would you stop?” I whispered and approached him. “I didn’t say anything like that. I said it’s complicated, okay? Now I need to go.”
“Do you need any help?”
“No. You haven’t helped me at an event in years. Don’t startnow.” I pushed away from him, my temper and emotions getting the best of me.
What the hell was that display of jealousy?
It was confusing. When all Connor’s attention was on work, anything he gave me was extra. He never showed jealousy when a bartender winked at me or someone’s eyes lingered on me. I didn’t understand why it was happening now. It was just another difficult thing to sort through.
I walked away, forcing myself not to look back when I got a text.
Matt:Hi Laney, it’s Matt. Matthew Heathen. It was so nice running into you. Is Monday too soon for a drink?
My instant smile surprised me. Matt represented a simpler time in my life, yet the expression on Connor’s face and the anger there stopped me from responding. This wasn’t cheating. Even if we weren’t separated yet, I wanted to remain faithful. This was grabbing drinks with a friend.
Hell, how many times had Connor and his assistant grabbed a drink after a stressful day? The uneasy feeling of worry returned just thinking about the nights he came home late with whiskey on his breath. Yeah, I could grab a damn drink with Matt.
Connor had had nine years to be jealous and put me first. I wasn’t stopping myself from things I enjoyed because he was upset. This new era was aboutme.
