Page 82 of Statler

Consumed was a completely different animal.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

It was one of the most difficult things Statler had ever done, putting a stop to something that felt so right. But somehow, he managed to end his kiss with Eliza, rolling himself to his back to catch his breath and regroup.

As she cuddled into his side, he stroked her hair.

“There are a few things I have to work out before we can…take things any further,” he told her.

That was an understatement.

Now that he knew William was Eliza’s father, and that Holden had been Eliza’s husband, there was a very long list of things to tell General Dark, later.

And this was just the beginning of STUDS’ time in Liminal.

There would be a lot of recon to accomplish, a gun-manufacturing operation to dismantle, and eventually, explanations would have to be made to Eliza before Statler could even contemplate his growing feelings for her.

He was certain—as was Blue—that Eliza had no actual involvement with what was going on in the factory, but he still needed to be cautious, because…

What if they were wrong?

Oh, Eliza had made all the right noises about not liking her father, and they’d seemed very sincere, but how often had it proven true, even in his own past, that blood was thicker than water?

Therefore, even though his gut was giving him a green light to proceed with his unheralded attraction, his head cautioned him to slow his roll.

Statler couldn’t take a chance on letting Eliza know what he and his team were up to. And that meant a decided lack of honesty and transparency on his part.

Statler’s jaw clenched.

He couldn’t enter into a relationship under those auspices.

How had Eliza taken him backing off with only vague excuses?

“That’s okay,” she finally said. “I understand you’re here for a job. I won’t get in your way.”

That had gone well, all things considered, and didn’t it just suck?

It was almost like Eliza was used to disappointments, and Statler not stepping up to the plate was just one more thing she was adding to a long list of heartache.

She wasn’t cajoling, she wasn’t arguing, she was simply laying by his side, breathing him in.

Eventually she turned onto her back and simply stared at the stars.

If he’d wondered how well they’d mesh? Damn. He’d felt the earth shake beneath his normally bed-rocked feet, and he could tell by her contentedness, that she’d enjoyed their kiss.

When mutually, they sat up to leave the special place, it was with a companionable silence.

Nearing the cottages, Eliza—remaining calm, thoughtful, and smart—eventually, said there were things she had to work through, too, before she delved any deeper into what might be between them.

That made Statler feel both good and bad.

He wanted her to be just a little out of control, because that’s how he was dealing with things at the moment. But she wasn’t giving away the depth of her turmoil…if she was experiencing any.

Damn.

Who was the one sour-pussing as they stood next to her car to say goodbye?

“I had a really nice evening,” Eliza told him evenly, then shrugged. “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”