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He didn’t want to.
For once he didn’t want to share her either. He’d never had these possessive, protective instincts for anyone else, and yet for Cassie, they were out in full force.
“Are you okay?” Cassie asked a couple of hours later.
He’d been working in a bit of haze, following William and Jessica pointing to where they wanted boxes to go, and just working through his own thoughts.
“Yeah, I’m fine. Why?”
“You’re just … acting weird. Has Jessica said something to you?”
“Are you happy?” he asked.
“What? Yes, of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”
“I’m sorry, I’m just not in the right place right now. Everything is fine. Don’t worry about it.”
She caught his wrist, stopping him from leaving.
“Jessica said something, didn’t she?”
“It’s nothing, and no, she didn’t.” He lied with ease. “Let’s get all this done so that we can go and eat.”
“O-kay.”
He left the room, and focused on unloading the truck. When all the boxes were distributed around the house, they said their goodbyes to the happy family, and he avoided Jessica’s gaze. He didn’t like some of the shit that she’d been saying, and especially as it was so close to home for him.
Pulling into the bar, he parked up.
“I’m not cooking?” she asked.
“Not tonight. Steak, potatoes, and some dancing is in order. Come on.” He climbed out of his truck, and made his way to Cassie’s side, helping her out.
“You’re in a real weird mood.” They took a seat toward the back of the dance-floor. He nodded at Bethany, who gave him a wave.
“I’m sorry.”
“Jessica said something, didn’t she?” Cassie asked. “She’s already given me the whole you’re going to be sad or hurt speech. She’s just looking out for me. I wouldn’t think too much of it.”
“She’s your friend, Cassie. Of course she’s going to look out for you. I just … she said some stuff, and it just got me thinking.”
“Do you want to end it?”
He jerked back, and stared at Cassie. Her face was unreadable. He didn’t know what she was thinking or feeling.
“No, I don’t. Do you?”
Cassie didn’t get to answer as they came to take their order.
“No, I don’t,” Cassie said, the moment they had their privacy. “You don’t have to start freaking out. I know this isn’t some kind of love thing, or a happy ever after. I have no intention of springing up words of love for you, Slade.”
What if it’s what I want?
“I’ve not been in a real relationship for some time. I didn’t want to end up like my parents. Hating each other, and then causing heartache to get away from each other.”
“Slade, I’m not like that.”
“You’ve only ever been with Andrew. How do you know if you’re even falling in love with me?” he asked.
