Page 73 of True Colors

Does he still want me? Or did I put him off of me?

“Are you free this weekend?”

I look up, unsure. “Um…y-yes?”

He runs a finger down my cheek, traces the shape of my lips. “Would you come to Napa with me?”

Did he ask me to go away for the weekend with him? Did I mishear?

“N-Napa?”

“Yes. There’s a cabin I love out near Calistoga. We could…be…away from the world.”

My breath catches. “J-just us?”

“Yes,” he says gently. “Just us.”

God, yes.

Every cell in my body wants that.

I hesitate—not because I don’t want to go, but because saying yes feels big. Important. A turning point.

Then I nod. “I-I’d…like that.”

A breath leaves him, slow and shaky, and I realize that he’s been nervous about asking me. It feels good to know that.

“Thanks, my starling.”

He’s started to call me his starling when we’re alone. It’s cute and romantic, something out of a book, something someone like me never expected.

CHAPTER 16

Luther

Idon’t know the exact moment it happened.

Maybe it was the way she whispered thank you against my mouth last week.

Maybe it was the way her eyes softened when she hummed after the opera.

Maybe it was the way she trusted me, told me she’d never been with anyone.

But I’ve fallen.

Completely.

I am not panicked by it.

I am exhilarated.

On Saturday morning, I drive across the city, the car stocked with groceries, wine, and a ridiculous amount of nervous energy. Napa is only a couple of hours away, but this feels greater than distance. This feels like crossing a line I can’t uncross. Wouldn’t want to.

I’m filled with anticipation as I pull up in front of Anouk’s building.

I am aware that this is not a fling. I am aware that this is not just a weekend. I know in my heart that what we start today is important. Sacred.

The front door opens before I can knock.