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I’ve felt it on long nights after he falls asleep, wondering how something that lives in my heart so easily can be so very distant.
I’ve finally decided I don’t ever want to feel empty again.
Dexter watches Catness as he stretches awake and slinks to the floor and sprawls out by the fire.
His thumb stills on my leg as he retreats into his head—the one place I can’t reach him.
“What’s wrong?” I ask, linking my fingers with his. “I know you don’t like to have heavy conversations, but—”
“Just work, sweetheart.” His thumb resumes its calm stroking and he glances across at me with a smile. “Don’t mind my shit. I’m not great at switching off.”
I frown.
Liam said something similar once, though never with a smile. In fact, he told me I was paranoid for thinking there was anything wrong.
He wasn’t honest and open like Dex.
“Hey,” he whispers, taking my plate from me and placing it on the table. “You okay? Anything happen at work you want to talk about?”
“Oh, just the usual.” This isn’t the conversation I wanted, but maybe I can find an opening. “I was looking over the accounts again this morning and I think we should be able to afford the new kitchen overhaul without even dipping into the ‘fake fiancée fund.’ That’s all from money in the bank and a few conservative guesses for the rest of summer.”
“Great news. I’m damn proud of you.” His broad smile feels so genuine as he tilts me back in his arms, delivering a warming kiss.
“Yeah. It’s something I’ve dreamed of forever, but actually doing it… insane.” I smile at him, searching his eyes. “Oh, and Jake finally asked Emmy out.”
“The one with the curls?”
I nod. “They’ve been working together for over a year and they’ve been flirting nonstop.”
“I got that impression. When I first came into the store, he got defensive the second I spoke to her.” Dexter chuckles at the memory, and some small part of me wonders if he’s just as jealous when it comes to me. “Glad they’ve finally come around. It’d be a shame to waste a summer when you’re that young.”
“The store is in a better place for it, for sure.”
He shifts so his arm is over my shoulders and I’m curled up against his chest. “Anything else?”
“Well, your friend stopped by this morning. Forrest Haute,” I say, remembering how he bought several cakes and tipped generously while he was there.
It was nice of him, even if his compliments made me feel uncomfortable, having to play up the whole fiancée act again.
Dexter instantly stiffens, every muscle tensing.
I twist to look up at him, but his eyes are dark and unreadable.
“Forrest Haute?” he repeats. “He came in and you didn’t tell me?”
“…yeah. He didn’t say a word about you; he was just there for the cakes.” Smiling uncertainly, I settle back against Dexter’s chest, willing his hand to rub my skin. “He said he was in town this weekend and he had to share his new favorites with a few guys he was meeting for business.”
“That’s it? Did he say anything else?”
I frown, thinking. “Well, he also offered to do pickups for his places using his own drivers.”
“I see.” Why does Dexter’s voice seem too flat?
“I wasn’t expecting the personal touch. I didn’t think he’d be so considerate for a guy who runs so many businesses. I thought it was a good idea. This way, I don’t have to send the van out and it’s all free of charge.”
Dexter folds his arms as he looks at me.
“Yeah, sure. Real fucking nice of him.” His tone grates.
