Page 6 of Somewhere Without You
I focused on the horizon—trying to ignore the sharp awareness prickling across my skin. Max’s attention was obvious, but what surprised me most was how much I didn’t mind it. A small voice in my head reminded me this was wrong, but it was drowned out by the ache of being noticed.
It was a rare thing, to be seen. To be more than Jackson’s wife, more than a well-dressed fixture meant to smile on cue.
And besides, Max wasn’t just some stranger.
He was part of Jackson’s world. A potential business partner.
Wasn’t it wise to get to know the people my husband surrounded himself with?
Max must’ve sensed my hesitation.“I’m sorry,”hesaid, his voice gentler now.“I didn’t mean to come on too strong. Most people at these things are too busy admiring themselves to hold a real conversation. But when I saw you out here, I figured you might be different.”
“You’re not being rude,”Isaidquickly.“I’m just not used to someone being so. . . direct.”
“You mean shameless,”heteased, flashing a grin, his white teeth stark against the shadows of his face.
I laughed, surprising even myself. It had been so long since something genuine slipped past my guard.
“Maybe a little shameless,”Iadmitted, lowering my glass.“But not in a bad way.”
Max leaned against the stone railing, the bottle dangling loosely from his fingers.“I figured if I only had time for one real conversation tonight, I’d rather it be with someone who looks like they don’t want to be here either.”
“That obvious, huh?”
Max shrugged. “Only a little.”
A salt-laced breeze swept over the ridgeline, sending a shiver up my spine.
“Here, take my jacket,”hesaid, already slipping out of his gray sports coat before I could protest. He draped it gently over my bare shoulders.
“Thanks,”Iwhispered, offering a small, uneven smile. The jacket was still warm from his body, and a familiar scent clung to the fabric—a cologne similar to Jackson’s.
I should’ve stepped away, should’ve said something to break the moment. But I didn’t.
Our conversation had been harmless, but I knew better than to believe Jackson would see it that way. Being seen alone with Max, even in passing, was a risk.
“We should probably head back in,”Isaid, shifting uncomfortably under the weight of his coat.
Max gave me a slow, thoughtful smile.“Probably,”heagreed.“But I can’t say I’ve enjoyed anyone’s company this much all night.”
I hesitated.“That’s. . .”I searched for something neutral, something that wouldn’t lead us any further down this road.“Kind of you to say.”I slipped out of the coat and handed it back to him.“It was nice meeting you, Max.”
His smile fell as he took the jacket.“Likewise.”
The heat and hum of the party swallowed me the moment I stepped back inside. Laughter and music crashed over me like a wave as I scanned the room, my eyes darting through the blur of bodies and noise.
Jackson was sprawled comfortably on a velvet sofa, his arm draped around Natasha’s shoulders like it belonged there.
She leaned in close, laughing at something he’d said.
Across the room, Stanley was deep in conversation with two men in tailored suits, completely unaware—or unwilling to notice, his wife’s proximity to my husband.
Jackson stood abruptly when he saw me.“Emily,”hesaid, feigning concern,“where have you been? Are you alright?”
“Not really,”I confessed, my voice rigid.“I’m not feeling well. If it’s okay with you, I think I’d like to go home.”
His jaw flexed, and I could see it in his eyes—that familiar, distant glaze. Leaving early wasn’t an option. Not without a fight.
“There are plenty of beds upstairs.Why don’t you find one and lie down for a bit?”
“No, it’s fine,”Isaid, forcing a smile, my gaze flicking past him to Natasha. She offered me a sympathetic tilt of the head, but her eyes narrowed a second later—like she’d already written me off.
“You stay,”Iadded, each word laced with restraint.“I don’t want to ruin your evening.”
The lie stung as it left my mouth. But I knew better than to cause a scene, not here, not now.
“If you’re sure,”Jacksonsaid, relief softening his features. He liked when I didn’t make things difficult.“I’ll have the car brought around.”
He leaned in and brushed a kiss across my cheek. I turned just enough for it to miss my skin, pretending I hadn’t.
The ride home passed in silence and shadows. The lights of the city blurred through the windows as tears slid down my face—quiet and unchecked. Not because of Natasha, or Jackson’s obvious wandering interest.
But because I no longer recognized the woman I’d become.
I used to have dreams, edge, fire. Now, all I had was silence.
And as the car wound through the hills toward the house I called home, I realized something far more painful than anger or heartbreak.
I hadn’t just lost myself. I’d surrendered.
Piece by piece. Smile by smile. Until there was nothing left but a name.
And even that was starting to feel like a stranger.