Page 21 of Secret Paths

“That is not the same thing.”

“It was from where I was standing.”

“Of course it was.”

He watches me for a moment, looking far too pleased with himself.

“You are not denying it,” he says.

“I am not giving you the satisfaction.”

“Which is not a denial.”

“You are very confident for a man who has spent the last ten minutes insisting he has no plan.”

“My professional life is in turmoil. My other talents remain intact.”

I shake my head, but I am smiling.

Peter sees it.

“There,” he says quietly. “That.”

“What?”

“You have thought about it.”

I keep walking.

“Peter.”

“Have you?”

He does not sound smug now. Not quite. There is something more careful beneath the question, as though he is prepared for me to shut him down.

I look at him.

“Of course I have thought about it.”

His eyebrows lift.

“Right.”

“Do not make that face.”

“What face?”

“The one where you think you have won something.”

“I have not won anything.” His smile gives him away. “I just assumed you would be imagining a happily-ever-after by now.”

I stare at him.

“A happily-ever-after?”

“Us. Matching towels. You letting me keep a toothbrush at yours.”

“Peter.”