“I would’ve eventually. But I had a lot of stuff goin’ on. I was shot. And… things are different.”
She’s disappointed in him. I can see that as clear as day. She trusted him, and he let her down.
I know the feeling.
“Okay. I get it. But Logan’s going to want to see you. You know that, right?”
“Yeah, I know it.” He opens his mouth to continue but clearly changes his mind. His features twist briefly before he says in a forced casual tone. “I’ll see him when I’m ready.”
“Okay.” Lilah sounds dubious, and she looks up at the big guy, who has put a supportive hand on her back. “You’re sure you’re okay?”
“I’m fine. I’m not the same, but I’m fine.”
Lilah shifts her focus to me again and smiles. “I’m Lilah.”
“Kat,” I tell her with a nod to return the greeting.
“I’ve seen you around. I always thought you were on your own.”
“I am.” I feel Micah shifting beside me like he has a silent objection to this statement, but I ignore it.
“If you ever need help, just let us know.”
I know what she’s saying. I even understand why she’s offering it. But I don’t want it. I never have.
“Thanks. I mean it. But I don’t want or need Logan’s help.”
11
A few minutes later,I’m on my way back home.
Micah is behind me.
Neither one of us has said a word.
I’m not angry as much as I’m stunned. Frozen.
And hurt. Really fucking hurt.
I’ve known the man less than two weeks. I should absolutely not be hurt like this. We agreed it was just casual sex between us. It was supposed to be no-strings. That’s why it was safe for me to indulge in this way.
But I sabotaged myself with my own fucking heart because this doesn’t feel casual. What the hell have I been doing to myself?
I wish I’d brought Molly. Sometimes she comes with me to the Market, but it’s really a long walk and she’s always sore afterward, so today I left her at home.
But I need her company right now. At least she’s never betrayed my trust. At least she’s never let me down.
“Are you just done with me then?” Micah finally asks about fifteen minutes after we left the clearing.
“What do you think?” My voice is stiff and icy. I wish I could sound natural so he won’t know how wounded I am, but I simply can’t manage it.
“I get it. You’re pissed I didn’t tell you. But I could tell right away that you didn’t want anything to do with Logan, and I didn’t think it would matter at first because I’d be gone as soon as I could walk. So I didn’t tell you.”
“That I understand. But you kept it a secret for day after day after day. You could have told me… anytime. Even this morning when it was clear you didn’t want to make an appearance at the Market. Why did you even bother to come out of the woods? You could have stayed hidden, and I still would never have known.”
“It sounded like you were in trouble.” His voice is almost bad-tempered now. “What did you think? I’d let you get hurt while I cowered behind a tree?”
“That was a choice.”
