I stare at him.
He shrugs. “You asked.”
A laugh breaks through my tears.
Derby steps closer, stopping a few feet away. “You don’t have to decide what this is today.”
“What if this is another bad decision?”
“It might be.”
“That isn’t comforting.”
“Comfort lies too much. Truth is cleaner.”
I wipe under one eye. “The truth is I don’t know if I can trust myself.”
“Then borrow mine for a while.”
My breath catches.
He looks startled by his own words, but he doesn’t take them back.
“What does that mean?” I ask.
“It means I know I want you. I know I like the kid. I know Pearly Gates left a threat on my bike. I know your husband is still breathing, unfortunately. I know none of that makes you ready.” His voice roughens. “So we go slow enough that your fear can catch up and tell us what’s real.”
I stare at him.
“You say things like that,” I whisper.
“Accidentally.”
“And then you expect me not to want you.”
His mouth curves, but the smile is dark. “I expect nothing. Keeps disappointment polite.”
Before I can answer, a horn sounds outside.
My whole body jerks.
Derby turns instantly, already moving toward the window. August freezes in the fort.
“Stay there,” Derby says.
It’s an order.
This time, I don’t resent it.
He looks through the curtain. His shoulders lower a fraction.
“Wildcat,” he says.
I exhale.
August pops up. “My truck?”
I look toward Derby.