Show Me: A Fake Marriage Romance (The Love Repair Series Book 5) by Nia Arthurs

Author:Nia Arthurs [Arthurs, Nia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-05-29T18:30:00+00:00

Nineteen

Pax

I need to know what that look on Calvin’s face was about.

The thought lingers. Chases me around. Flaunts itself in my vision.

I’m desperate to take him aside and ask him, but mom and dad don’t let me out of their sight. I spend the day with them, keeping a close eye on Calvin. Watching the lines around his eyes when he forces a smile. Hearing the boom of laughter with no joy in it. Feeling the touch of a hand that’s gone cold.

I need to know.

And I finally get the chance.

It’s late evening. We’re staying in town overnight, but we’ve been chased out of the hospital room so dad can get his treatment.

The stars peek from behind purple-dusted clouds. Sunset paints the sky in pinks, oranges, and soft, hazy blues. I inhale a breath of the crisp, evening air. Try to lengthen my pace to keep up with Calvin’s.

He notices what I’m doing and slows his stride. A small, thoughtful smile flirts with his lips. “You have an awesome family.”

“You’re saying that like you’re just noticing.” I stare at his handsome profile. It’s really striking. If I had a camera, I’d snap his picture. “Couldn’t you tell at the wedding?”

“I was plastered at the wedding. Missed most of it.”

“Hm.”

“Hm?” An eyebrow arches. “Am I in trouble?”

My lips quirk up. “Honestly, I wasn’t paying much attention either.”

“You asked me if you could leave early.” He laughs at the memory.

My own chuckles are tinged with sheepishness. “You told me I could go. I heard you telling people we wanted to get to our honeymoon early.”

“They believed me.”

“What did you really do when we snuck out?” I tilt my head. “Or do I even want to know?”

“It involved your bridesmaids,” he says flatly.

“One?”

“Two.”

My heart lurches. “Oh.”

Calvin suddenly stops in the middle of the path. His dark eyes seem to be wrestling with something and I’m almost afraid to hear what he has to say.

“Pax.” Calvin licks his lips. Runs a hand through his hair. Hesitates. “I’m not going to pretend that I have a great track record when it comes to committed relationships. I’ve never been with a woman who made me even want one.” He glances down. “But that’s starting to change. You… make me want to change.”

He looks so wistful and repentant. My feelings rise to the surface, demanding release. I want to wrap my arms around him and never let go.

Calvin suddenly turns and starts walking again as if he’s embarrassed.

I hurry to catch up with him and place my hand over his. “I want to ask you something.”

“Uh-oh.” He interlocks our fingers and we keep strolling.

Our steps lead us to the hospital’s gardens. The scent of sweet blooms fills my nostrils, but it doesn’t chase the burden of my curiosity.

“Was that really your first time hearing how your mom helped my dad in the hospital?”

Calvin gets that burdened look on his face again. “It was.” Tilting his head to the sky, he confesses huskily, “The mom I remember was… lifeless and ill.

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