Lies We Tell (Thistle Cove 3)

Her? I reach for Ezra’s hand and grip his fingers.

“No, you did what you did to protect yourself and your future.”

“You’re right. I did. And it all fell apart anyway. The only thing we can do now is keep quiet and keep our distance,” Regina whispers. “But that seems impossible for you.”

“I’ve done what I can, Regina. I’ve destroyed my relationship with my son to protect this secret, to protect him, and everyone else. I ruined what he had with Kenley—who was probably the best thing he had going for him. But…she won’t stop. She’s under everyone’s skin and every day she puts herself in more danger.”

“Rose is gone—she’s never coming back. Monica’s in jail. As long as you and I keep our distance, there’s nothing else to drag this out.”

“You think that’s enough for him? We both know any threat to his position in this community is enough to make him take action.”

“Then we both need to do what’s needed to make sure he doesn’t,” she says, her footsteps echoing off the floors.

The main office door swings open and a moment later clicks shut. Ezra and I stand close together, cramped in the small space, barely breathing as his father remains on the other side of the door. Our hands are still linked, but now he clings to me like a lifeline.

The sound of a loud slam followed by a frustrated groan in the outer room makes me flinch. Ezra’s free hand moves around my back, holding me tight. A moment later the office door opens and closes again. We’re finally alone.

He looks down at me with those soulful, dark eyes. “Do you understand why I did what I had to?”

“You think you had to break up with me to protect me?”

“I thought it was to keep him away from you—but now I realize it’s not him. It’s someone else—someone even my father is afraid of.”

My mind spins. Mr. Baxter is tough. Powerful. Who would he be afraid of? Waller? And why?

“Do you know what secret those two are talking about?” I ask.

He grimaces but shakes his head. It’s not convincing, but after what we just heard,

I’m not surprised he’s hesitant to say.

He’s still holding me tight and it feels right being in his arms.

“I miss you,” he says.

“I miss you, too.”

He reaches out and tucks my hair behind my ear. My heart thunders, my knees wobble. All I want is for him to kiss me. For this to be right again. For us to repair this rift. Our bodies want it. Our hearts want it. But I can see the flicker of doubt in his eyes. The fear.

He tilts my head and I close my eyes, bracing for the feel of his mouth on mine. Instead, his lips brush against my forehead and when I open my eyes he’s moved, already halfway out the door.

My heart aches watching him go, but one thing is confirmed.

If I try to solve this mystery, I’m putting myself in danger.

If I don’t, I’ll never get Ezra back.

27

Kenley

I’m sitting on my bed, studying, when I hear a loud clatter on the roof. My heartrate spikes, but Finn pops his head in the window. I hop out of bed and unlock the window—something I’ve been doing more now.

Cool December air rushes in and I step back so he can climb over the desk.

“I thought maybe Santa decided to make an early visit,” I joke.

He grins. “I don’t know babe, you’ve been pretty naughty this year.”