Page 104 of Connectio

“Anything for my favourite Labia—”

I grab his arm. “Knock it off.”

“But you wanted—”

“That doesn’t matter right now.”

His eyes widen, and he passes Matt his beer. “Later, mate.”

I sigh, relieved. “Thank you.”

“No sweat, sweetheart.” He places his hand on the small of my back. “Let’s go.”

“Libby, hold up.”

I pause and turn to Derek, who’s stepping over toddlers to get to me.

“Is she okay?”

“What do you think?” I snap. “I don’t know what you’ve done, but I… I’ve never seen her this upset.”

“Just tell her I’m sorry and that I love her, and I should’ve told her.”

“Told her what?”

“Just tell her that. Please.”

His eyes beg me, and a small, sympathetic shred of my being feels sorry for the guy. He’s obviously kept something from her, for whatever reason, and now it’s backfired. I guess I can relate to his predicament. Sort of.

“I’ll tell her. But you need to tell her yourself. You understand? You need to make this right.”

“I will, when she lets me.”

“A word of advice, Derek: she won’t, so don’t wait too long.”

Will slaps him on the back. “I’ll get her home safe.”

“Thanks. Wait!” He points to both of us. “Are you two a thing?”

Will scoffs. “Nah, mate. She hates me.”

I smile. “Let’s just say he’s growing on me.”

As we leave the marquee, he leans in, his breath hot on my neck, and murmurs, “I can grow for you anytime you want, sweetheart.”

I nudge him with my elbow. “I know.”

* * *

Carly sobbedthe entire way home and went straight to her room when we entered the house. Will kept Sasha occupied while I consoled her, and when she finally told me what happened, my heart broke for her. I also knew I had to tell Will my secret. And I had to tell him now.

“Is she okay?” Will asks as I enter the living room.

I shake my head. “No.”

“What happened?”

“I think you should ask Derek. It’s probably best you hear it from him.”