Page 88 of Luci’s Lullaby

Walker eyes me. “Is that true? You’ve haven’t been with anyone else since her?” I look toward heaven to keep that my business.

Aksel covers his mouth. “Yep, that’s it. That’s the look right there.”

“All of the telltale signs.” Walker rubs his chin.

I jump back, gaping at them. “What in the hell are you talking about?”

“Three questions.” Aksel cuts his eyes to Walker. “You have to answer this honestly, dude.”

I’m hesitant. “Hell, I’ll do anything to make this interrogation stop.”

“Do you have anything that belongs to her that she doesn’t know you have?” They stare at me.

“What’s the next question?”

Walker grins. “Have you had sex with any other women after her?”

I twist my mouth as I fold my arms. “Last question.”

“Do you love her?” Aksel smiles.

Walker shakes his head. “If the answer to the first two is yes, you don’t have to answer the last one. Unless, you’re admitting it to her… or yourself.”

I kick at an imaginary rock. “I can’t get her outta my head. It’s like she’s under my skin, and I like it. She’s always right and I hate it, but I like that she’s always right.”

“I’m guessing you haven’t slept together since.” Walker quirks his brow.

“Man, Reese threatened my balls if I hurt her.” I throw my hands in the air. “And…”

“And what?” Aksel leans in.

I look at him and then Walker. “I told her we had to forget it ever happened because all we could be was friends. Just friends as she likes to remind me.”

“Alden, she’s been by your side for a while now. It’s obvious to everyone to the point we thought it was official and you hadn’t announced it.” Walker shrugs.

Aksel looks at me. “The easy part is knowing it.”

“So what’s the hard part?”

They answer in unison, “Keeping it.”

A knot forms in my throat. I swallow hard, hoping my words will make it past it. “I think my life is proof enough I can’t keep love. Or people.”

“Alden, the things that happen to you only define you if you allow them to. I’m proof of it, and the fact that love with a good woman can change everything.” Walker sounds so much like Cid right now.

“First of all, you have to be willing to love before you can accept the best parts of it.” Aksel raises his shoulders and lets them fall.

I run my hand through my hair. “I know, they’re all I think about.”

“Is that a problem?” Walker studies me.

“How do I leave them? You know how women are; do you think Charlee will be okay with the way they act? Most importantly, will I still have a chance of keeping Luci if I go on the road?”

Aksel slips his hands in his pockets. “Alden, I’m going to tell you something and I want you to hear me.”

“I’m listening.”

“You’re a good man.” Aksel puts his hand on my shoulder and pins me. “A good man, trust it.”