In the Wind by Anderson Lilliana

Author:Anderson, Lilliana [Anderson, Lilliana]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Publisher: LA Romance
Published: 2016-01-02T16:00:00+00:00

17

“Peace offering?” I held up the DVD and a box of microwave popcorn when Luke opened the door. From the look on his face, I could tell that he wasn’t expecting to see me. I knew that. But I had to try.

Placing his hand on his face, he raked his fingers over his stubble then slipped outside, closing the front door behind him. He wasn’t going to let me in.

My stomach dropped, and my eyes pricked.

He pushed at his hands the way guys do when they’re about to crack their knuckles – one hand fisted as the other pushed against it – but he didn’t produce any sound. It was more like he was wringing his hands in discomfort. I took a step backward, knowing what he was about to say, not really wanting to hear it.

Clearing his throat, he started. “Listen, I...I really don’t think this is such a great idea anymore.”

I nodded slowly then forced the lump in my throat away with a swallow. “Which part? The movie night, or our friendship?”

His hand lifted and ran across his facial hair again. He struggled to meet my eyes. “I don’t know. Maybe both.”

Blinking rapidly, I tried to keep my calm. “I’m sorry about this morning, Luke. I never meant...”

“It’s not just that. We’re just...” He pulled at his lip with his teeth and finally met my eyes properly, shaking his head as he looked at me – I mean really looked at me, as if he was seeing all of me, even my soul. “You’re only eighteen, Dawn. This isn’t right.”

“Why does that have to matter?”

“Because I’m a thirty-five year old man who is spending way too much time with you.”

“I thought you liked spending time with me.”

“I do, Dawn. I like it way too much; I’m almost old enough to be your father.”

“You’re only thirty-five.”

“And you’re eighteen, Dawn. Can’t you see what a problem that is?”

With our eyes locked, I could see the torment swirling in his eyes. I wanted to hug him and shake him at the same time. He was turning me away when I knew he didn’t really want to. I didn’t want him to. I wanted him to fight for me. I wanted him to be the one who was always there for me no matter what.

“You’re worried about how it looks, aren’t you?”

Letting his breath out, he swiped his hands over the top of his head then gripped his neck. “I don’t know. Maybe. It’s a small town. People talk, and I’ve got a son to worry about. I need to think about him before anything else.”

Looking down at my feet, I slowly nodded, pressing my lips together as I took a calming breath through my nose. I couldn’t argue with that. Luke was the kind of father we all wished we had – one who cared and did what was best for their child. Sam was undoubtedly the most important person in his life, and I couldn’t argue about what was best for him.

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