Page 86 of Knot What I Expected

The warmth disappears from her face.

Just fucking vanishes.

“That’s none of your business.”

Sharp.

Immediate.

Defensive.

Monster rises.

Not angry.

Concerned.

Because that reaction isn't normal. I know caginess when I see it, and Gabriella just threw up every wall she has.

“Gabby, I was only⁠—”

“Matteo!”

Her son looks over.

“It’s time to go.”

His little face falls.

“Please, Mommy! Not yet!”

“Matteo.”

“Please? Ten more minutes?”

Gabriella closes her eyes briefly.

“Okay, fine. Ten minutes.”

“Yes!”

He races back toward the slide. Gabriella ignores me. She immediately starts gathering our trash.

Shit.

I fucked up.

“Gabby.”

“Thanks for lunch.”

“That’s not⁠—”

“But lunch doesn’t entitle you to butt into my life. Our lives. Anyway, I should get Matteo back.”

Shit. I really messed up.

She reaches for the empty drink cups. I move without thinking. My hand closes gently around her arm.