Page 62 of Undertow

Literally.

“Of course. It’s really no problem.” I flex my finger with a wince as if it hurts more than it does.

She takes my hand and kisses my knuckle like I’m a child. I laugh at the gesture, for so many reasons, and she returns a teasing glare. But instead of letting go, she threads our fingers and pulls my entire hand to her lips. The warmth of her kiss fires another thawing blast of heat at my frozen heart.

“What really happened yesterday?” she asks, searching my face. “You clearly had a hard day. I know it wasn’t a headache.”

I study her, looking for any signs of a lie, but all I see is sincere concern. Somehow that’s worse.

What really happened…

Acid rumbles in my stomach as the pieces snap into place. My next play is right in front of me, taunting me.

Do it.

I can’t.

You have to.

“There’s this woman,” I begin hesitantly, averting my gaze.

Her grip on my hand tightens, and I scan her in my periphery. A flash of jealousy? Yes, that’s my cue.

Say it, Shaw.

Say. It.

Julia’s expectant gaze scours my face. She really has no idea none of this is real. It’s not, so why can’t I bring myself to do what I need to do?

“She’s had a thing for me since I started here.”

Tell her who.Whohas a thing for you?

“I see,” Julia says quietly. “Another employee?”

“Kind of. Not really. I don’t know. It’s… complicated.”

Her brow furrows. “And… how do you feel about her?” I hear the fear in her question. The jealousy.

My chest tightens. The stifling Florida heat suddenly feels cold.

Shaw!

I close my eyes and draw in a deep breath.

Finish this!

“How do I feel about Scarlett?” I finally let the name slip, as if I’m thinking. “I don’t know. I mean, she’s attractive, sure. Of course I’ve thought about it.”

Disgust washes through me at the lie. At the way it makes Julia’s sweet face pinch from the sting—and awareness.

“Wait. Scarlett… McArthur? Montgomery McArthur’s daughter?”

I nod. “She’s been stalking me on my shifts and wanted to have dinner last night.”

“And did you?”

“Did I what?”