Page 69 of Rulebreaker

TWENTY-FOUR

Lily

Tonight.

I’m going to tell him tonight.

It’s been a week since I left L.A. but there’s another weird break in my schedule, something to do with some kind of sporting event, so I’m back here and keeping my head down as I speed walk through the airport to where Atlas is waiting. All I’ve got is a carryon and a backpack, so I don’t have to worry about luggage.

Once we’re at his house and settled–before our hormones take over–I’m going to tell him everything. I need him to understand there’s a timeline and that I’m tied to it. Nothing about my marriage to Stan has been easy–divorcing him is proving to be even harder. But more than that, I’m hopeful that he’ll be sympathetic and give me the support I’m going to need to get through the next year.

Iknowit’s a lot to ask.

I know it’s complicated.

And I’m terrified it’s going to make or break us.

“Hey, beautiful.” His lips are warm against mine the moment I slide into his car.

It feels so damn good to touch him.

“Hi.” I’m breathless the moment our lips meet but the connection is lost too soon as someone lays on the horn and he’s forced to pull into traffic.

My thoughts are jumbled and I clench and unclench my hands in my lap but Atlas takes an unfamiliar turn that catches my attention–we’re definitely not going toward his house.

“Where are we going?” I ask, snapping out of my reverie.

He smiles. “It’s a surprise.”

Dammit.

This is not the night for surprises.

“What kind of surprise?”

“You’ll see.” He takes my hand and squeezes it. “You okay? You’re a little clammy.”

“Oh.” I try to shrug it off. “I think I got a touch of motion sickness with the bumpy landing and now with all the start and stop traffic.”

He seems surprised. “Do you get motion sick? You’ve been fine on the plane.”

“Not usually but every once in a while.” That’s a lie, and I hate that I’m lying to him yet again, but how else am I going to explain my clammy skin and the tightness in my chest?

I could tell him everything now but–

“Well, if it continues, I’m sure I can get something for you once we get where we’re going.”

“Why does it look like you’re heading back into the airport?”

“Maybe because I am.” He grins. “Now stop asking questions. You have to wait until we get there.”

“Atlas…” Of all the nights for something like this.

I had a plan. Tonight is the night I come clean, clear the air. Instead, he’s being his usual wonderful self and planning something I can only imagine is going to be fun.

This guy is truly the whole package–which is why I’ve had such a tough time finding a time to tell him my secret.

Listen, babe, I’m married. It’s not a real marriage–and we’re legally separated but–