Page 90 of Trust

“Back then? Yeah. It was what it was. I didn’t think too far ahead. Even now, with the life I live, kids aren’t exactly a good idea in my world.”

Some of the tension eases out of me, and I nod. I don’t want to think about children right now either.

After we finish eating, he pulls me closer and kisses my temple. “This day was... incredible.”

I agree as a strange, fuzzy feeling settles inside me.

We curl up on the couch, a blanket shared between us, watching the game. Chris’s arm is around me when his phone vibrates, and a clip shows on the display. He only takes a quick look before setting it back on the table. Before long, an engine rumbles outside, its roar swelling as it approaches. He acknowledges the sound with a curve of his lips.

“He’s back.”

“Did you see him coming on your phone?” I ask in surprise.

“You can’t be too careful,” he says, grazing his lips against my ear.

The door bursts open with a whirl of cold air, and confident footsteps approach. My body goes rigid before I can stop it. A second ago, the whole world was narrowed down to Chris and me and now guilt washes over me.

I try to smile, but it comes out small and startled, the kind you give when you’ve been caught sneaking cookies from the jar. My cheeks burn, and I pull myself free from Chris’s arm, certain I look like a living confession. Whatever I thought I could hide is already out in the open.

Chris stays exactly where he is.

Cash pauses at the wardrobe, hanging up his jacket before turning to take us in. His eyes sweep over my face, his mouth curving into a wide grin, eyebrows lifting in that familiar, infuriating way.

“So,” he drawls, dragging the word out, “the storm kicked off more than rain, huh?”

A horrified groan rips out of me, and I bury my face in both hands, peeking through my fingers. “Oh my God.”

Chris chuckles beside me. “Subtle, man.”

Cash shrugs, totally unapologetic. “What? I didn’t walk in on you, did I?”

“Cash,” I snap, half warning, half begging.

He lifts his hands in mock surrender. “Hey, hey. Just sayin’. Big shift of energy in here.”

Chris tilts his head at him. “You talking about the glowing fireplace ambiance, or the part where Sara’s trying to melt into the couch?”

“Bit of both,” Cash says, and I continue staring at my palms. “So... how was it?”

My hands drop and I look at him, scandalized. “You can’t ask that!”

“Sure I can. I’m family.” He winks.

My mouth falls open. Heat floods my face, and I bolt upright. “You two are impossible.”

I march toward the stairs, muttering about being tired, and escape to my room.

They’re talking, but I can’t make out the words from the bathroom. Although I really want to see Cash, I keep myself from returning downstairs. The thought of walking in and having both of them turn toward me with those knowing grins makes me hesitate. So I stay upstairs, crawl into bed, and let the quiet settle around me.

A dry mouth and a restlessness thrumming in my chest drag me out of sleep. Chris comes in and finds me awake.

“Hey,” he almost whispers, a tender expression on his face.

“Hey.” My voice is scratchy with sleep.

He sits beside me, searching my eyes. “Any soreness?”

“God,” I mutter. “Don’t ask me that.”