Page 94 of Trusting You

Locke’s still standing there, smiling.

“Go get ready,” I snap at him. And stop looking at me like you want to eat me. Again.

I blush at the thought, and the action has him zeroing in and holding his towel like he’s readying to rip it off.

“Go,” I repeat. Then add as a reminder, “Your sister’s here.”

One side of his mouth lifts up. “I’ll lock her in the nursery.”

“I have to finish making a list of the things she needs to do for Lily while we’re gone,” I say, and as I predicted, his eyes start glazing over. “Times to feed her, how many ounces in a bottle, diaper changes, watching for poop, bedtime routine…”

“All right, all right.” Locke waves me off. “Nothing like the mention of poop to deflate a boner.”

Don’t forget I’m mad at you!I want to scream at his back, but I’m so conflicted with desire, anger, and contentment. It’s impossible to maintain any single emotion with him for longer than 2.5 seconds.

Since our confrontation, Locke’s been trying. I’ll give him that much. But it’s all for nothing. In two and a half weeks, I’ll be gone for good—Lily will be in his hands.

And at this very moment, his sister is in the other room with Lily.

So…nothing, literally zero reasons, point to taking this any further with Locke than I already have.

I sigh while staring at the spot where he once stood.

We’re both already so hurt by life.

Being together would only coat those wounds with fresh blood.