“Okay.” At least Marcus was sensitive enough not to argue, not to reach for her again, even as those blue-gray eyes watched her so carefully. “That makes sense. You’ve got a lot going on.”
“I really do.”
She pulled out her phone from the inside pocket of her purse. With a few taps, she made herself a note to pick up wine along with the necessary cleaning supplies.
“Maybe—” His body still wasn’t touching hers, but he’d edged a bit closer again. So close the heat radiating from him threatened to melt her resolve. Too close. “Maybe I could fly back later in the week? Help you unpack and get settled? I’m between jobs right now, so...”
That shyness, that incompletely masked hurt in his voice, was a ploy. An act. It had to be.
She didn’t need to respond to it with softness anymore.
“Wheneversomeone helps me unpack, I always have trouble figuring out where everything went.” Phone deposited safely back in its pocket, she zipped her purse shut. It made a satisfyinglyfinalsound. Then she turned to look out the window. “I’m not sure what my schedule will look like for the rest of the week, so I shouldn’t make plans. Thank you for the offer of help, though.”
At that point, he seemed to understand. Enough, at least, to stop trying.
“Okay,” he said again.
That was the last word exchanged between them until the cab arrived in front of her new, empty rental. They made their stilted farewells without touching a single time.
His face, the one time she dared to look, was drawn. Solemn. Resigned.
She didn’t care. Shedidn’t.
Once out of the cab, she walked to her entrance. Unlocked the door. Opened it. Kicked it shut. Flipped the dead bolt.
She didn’t look back.
LavineasServer DMs, Ten Months Ago
Unapologetic Lavinia Stan:You seem... off today. Everything okay?
Book!AeneasWouldNever:Nothing that merits complaint. But thank you, Ulsie.
Unapologetic Lavinia Stan:It doesn’t need to be something of earth-shaking importance for me to listen. If you want to vent, I’m here.
Book!AeneasWouldNever:I’m just tired, I think. Sick of traveling, at least for now. Unsure where I want my career to go after this.
Unapologetic Lavinia Stan:Making a career change is hard. I only recently started applying for different positions, even though I’ve wanted to leave my current job for months.
Book!AeneasWouldNever:You’re doing it, though, because you’re brave.
Book!AeneasWouldNever:I have no right to whine. I’m very, very lucky to have my job. But
Unapologetic Lavinia Stan:But what?
Book!AeneasWouldNever:It gets lonely. I don’t feel like myself around anyone, really.
Unapologetic Lavinia Stan:I’m sorry, BAWN. ::hugs::
Unapologetic Lavinia Stan:What can I do to help?
Book!AeneasWouldNever:Keep being you, Ulsie. That’s more than enough. :-)
12
MARCUSLET HIMSELF BACK INTO HIS HOTEL ROOM. IT WASdim and cold and pristine.
In the bathroom, he splashed his face with cold water, then braced his hands on the edges of the marble vanity and stood over the sink, letting himself drip.
