Page 102 of Lust & Lies

We ate like that, side by side, in comfortable silence. Every now and then, he’d nudge my leg with his, or I’d swipe my fork at his plate, eating some of his food just to annoy him. He did the same to mine, snagging a plump shrimp I’d been eyeing.

Halfway through the meal, Aiden’s phone rang. I stilled, fork hovering midair as he set his down and reached into his pocket for his phone. His gaze lingered on the screen before flicking over to me.

“I’ll step out and take this,” he muttered, looking slightly upset.

I swallowed, curiosity sparking. “Who is it?”

“Work,” he said smoothly.

Work? Was he lying? Why would he lie? Why was I being like this? Why was I doubting him... again? I nodded, forcing my focus back to my plate even as my mind spun, mentally creating a mountain out of a mole hill.

I didn’t want to be the kind of wife who hovered or questioned everything her husband did. Not when he’d been nothing but good to me. Still... a part of me wondered who was really on the other end of that call, and why he had to leave the room to discuss it.

I sighed as he got up from his seat and left the room. I considered being nosy and going after him to listen in on his call, but thought better of it. As I watched him leave the room, I couldn’t get rid of a sinking feeling that something was wrong.

I stared back down at my plate, hating the way I was feeling. I’d told myself I wouldn’t do this. I’d told myself I wouldn’t overreact or look for problems where there were none. It was perfectly fine for him to have work matters that he didn’t discuss in front of me.

That wasn’t keeping secrets, that was business. Plus, I already knew we were hiding from our past. I knew, and I hadn’t told him. So, why was I getting upset when this could be the past calling, trying to interfere with us?

And here I was, letting it. Sighing, I tried to continue eating, but the food no longer tasted good to me. Even so, I forced it down as tears filled my eyes.Ugh!What was wrong with me?

Though I was trying my best to be happy in the moment, I knew I wouldn’t truly be content until my memory returned. Until then, I would always be waiting for the other shoe to drop. I’d always be waiting for the past to jump out and slap me in the face.

I’d always second-guess things and see issues where there were none. I needed my memory back. And I needed it now before my mind and my fears caused me to ruin a good thing. But I couldn’t help but wonder if getting it back would bring my fears to life.

What if getting my memories back ruined what I had right now with Aiden?

CHAPTER THIRTY

NOELLE

I TOOK A DEEP BREATHand tried to calm my nerves, unable to believe I was getting all worked up over nothing. I blinked back the tears and swallowed the lump in my throat when I heard Aiden’s approaching footsteps.

“That was about work,” he told me, returning to his seat.

I kept my eyes on my plate, quietly pulling myself together. Had I always been this emotional? In the past, did every little thing get me worked up?

“After we eat, I need to step into my office to do a video call with a client,” Aiden told me.

“Hmm,” I hummed, then caught myself.

Stop being petty and clingy, Noelle. This didn’t even feel right. This couldn’t be me. It was the situation. It was the memory loss. It was the not knowing that had my emotions all over the place.

Clearing my throat, I said, “While you do that, I’ll find a movie to watch.”

“Okay. I may be a while. But once I’m done, I’ll join you,” he told me.

Feeling more composed now, I faced him and nodded, forcing a smile. He leaned in close and kissed my forehead. It was something he’d done over a dozen times now. Yet, this time,it didn’t make my heart melt. I hated this feeling. I hated this doubt. I hatedmyselfright now.

“Let’s finish eating, love,” he told me.

“Okay.”Whatever you say.

It was always whatever he said, and I was growing tired of that. Facing forward, I resumed eating, but I no longer tasted the food. I chewed and swallowed... chewed and swallowed... body moving like a robot with a task to complete. I finished eating before Aiden.

“I’ll be in the garden room while you’re working,” I told him, rising from my seat to empty my plate and wash it.

“Just put your plate in the sink. I’ll wash the dishes later after my call,” he offered.