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Owen is already out in the backseat, and I’m glad because I’m enjoying this time with Felicity, this openness between us. It gives me hope that we can get back to the friendship we’d started.
“I let my family believe I was riding back with your family instead of you…to avoid casting you in that bad light you’re so concerned about,” she says.
Okay, maybe we’re not quite back to smooth sailing just yet.
“Why would it be bad for you to ride with me?”
“Besides avoiding the appearance ofscandal,” she says in a deep voice that I think is supposed to mimic mine, “they think I’m working for you as a pre-law student.”
“They don’t know you’re Owen’s nanny?”
“No.”
“Shit.”
“Yeah.”
“Why would you let them think that?”
She sighs and turns to face me. “I told you they don’t know I’m not going to law school in the fall…”
“Yes, but I didn’t realize that entailed lying to them about what you were doing for me.”
“Don’t make me feel guiltier about it than I already do,” she snaps. “It’s killing me to lie to them.”
“Then don’t.” I try to soften my tone with my next words. “They love you. I’ve only seen them with you a couple of times, but it’s obvious. They want what’s best for you, and even if it’s hard for them to swallow, they’ll support your decision. What they won’t be happy about is finding out you lied to them.”
“I’ve omitted the truth.”
“Felicity…”
“Okay, if you want to talk about the truth, let’s do it. What are you so afraid of?”
“Afraid of?” I echo, uneasy about where this conversation is headed.
“You heard me.”
I chuckle. She’s right—I think I am afraid.
I could use two fingers of whiskey right about now.
“I’m afraid of what you make me feel,” I start slowly, “and what it could cost me.”
“What do I make you feel?” Her voice is breathless.
I glance at her, her eyes luminous with the car lights and the streetlights that flash over her skin as we pass them.
I glance back to make sure Owen is still asleep and his head is bobbing. Out.
“Everything. You make me feel everything, Felicity, and it scares the hell out of me. After the other night, I don’t think it’s a secret that I’m attracted to you.” It comes out in a rush, and yet it still feels like I’m copping out.
“Then why are you fighting this, Sutton?”
“That’s all it can be.”
She shifts, turning away from me, and I know I’ve let her down.
I rack my brain for something to say to make this better, but nothing comes, and the rest of the ride is silent.
