Page 47 of Take The Risk

​Shit. Shit. Shit.

​Mortified, I tried to pull my hand free. He held on tightly, not letting me turn completely inward.

​“It’s okay. They were…I didn’t read a lot. Just the top page—”

​“It’s for a book,” I blurted out. “I started working on it a while ago.” A while was subjective, right? I mean, a while could mean a year, a month, or the day after Ty touched my face and fed me his sandwich.

​“I see.”

​Not really ready for this to get worse, and knowing it could, I ripped the Band-Aid right off. “So what does this mean now?”

​“It means whatever you want it to mean. I’ll sign anything you need to feel assured of my silence; so will Wade and Jesse. Now, I can just also add being an incredible writer to the list of amazing talents you have. I do, however, understand if this changes things for you.”

​He was keeping a list? Why did that make my heart feel like a warm blanket wrapped around it?

​Did this change things?

​Yes, it did. Was it bad? Okay, Jesse and Wade knowing…I didn’t know yet. Ty knowing? I thought about that for a minute. Putting my feet on the ground, I unfolded. “I’m not thrilled with Wade and Jesse knowing.” I was honest. “It’s not because I don’t trust them. Or you. It’s just a lot. However, it’s not like it’s anyone’s fault either, you know?”

​Except for the Murder Manor who decided it wanted to try drowning as its next method of execution.

​A look of such profound relief washed over him that I couldn’t fight the need to comfort.

​I covered his hand with mine. “I don’t want anyone else knowing,” I said slowly. There were other people involved, and the part of me that’s a mom had to weigh in. “If Cady-Jo asks Jesse directly, I don’t want him to lie to her in order to keep my secret. And you—”

​“No. I was here as your contractor. Jesse was here working for me. You are amazing for being so considerate, even though it isn’t necessary. Confidentiality is part of the job. Jesse not talking, or even me, isn’t us doing anything other than honoring that trust.”

​That didn’t sit well with me. I needed time to think about it. To think about all of this.

​“Will the kitchen be done in time for me to start baking for the café?” I changed the subject, hoping Ty wouldn’t question it.

​“You still want me to work on your house?”

​The question dumbfounded me. “Why wouldn’t I?” I gaped at him.

​Ty searched my face, the tension in his relaxing. “The double ovens are due on Thursday, so you should be ready. However, I do have to ban you from the kitchen until it’s done.”

​“Why?” We’d never discussed that.

​“With some of the water damage, it needs to be handled carefully and there can be some dangerous areas. Also, I—” He grabbed the back of his neck.

​“Are you one of those guys who like to do the big reveal?” We’d talked about some of the renovation shows we’d both watched and I’d teased him about doing a big reveal with the Murder Manor.

​“Maybe.” He fought the smile I could see playing at the corner of his lips.

​Just like that, the equilibrium that existed between us returned only with a new element. Ty knew who I was, and he was still treating me the same. Still looking at me the same.

​“Fine.” I did my best to sound put out. “You can have your big reveal.”

​His laugh made my heart thud and the lingering anxiety fade.

​We sat there for a couple more minutes talking. The awkwardness I’d always expected and the judgment I was used to were nowhere to be seen.

​The slamming of a front door had to go and ruin the moment.

​Ty didn’t comment on my sudden withdrawal, the need to not be outside. He helped me up, grabbing my suitcase.

​“Phoebe?”