Fake Marriage Box Set

“I didn't know you were out here.” I sat down my backpack. “Don’t stop on my account.”

“I didn't know you were back.” The rumble of his voice sent tremors down my skin.

“I got back last night. I came by to talk to you, but everything was locked up.” I found his gaze, and I wasn't sure I liked it.

“I've been out here a few days.”

“Alone?” I asked.

“I needed to clear my head. Get myself in check.”

“I think we need to talk.”

“Yeah?” He tilted his head to the side, his gaze still searing mine.

“John told me that you were there looking for me and that Chris told you to leave.”

“You know about that?” He took a step toward me.

“John told me you were there to see me.”

He took another step, and so did I.

“I didn't like that Chris has been with you,” he words were pained.

“He hasn't. It has never been like that,” I assured him.

“It still isn't something you want to hear another man say about someone you care about, true or not.”

“I'm sorry? I don’t know what else to tell you. It’s simply not true.”

“There’s a lot we should talk about, Emmy. I just don't think we should talk about it now. I need some time.” He looked away, and I knew I had lost him. He was hurt, and it showed.

“I'll be here for the week. I need to get caught up with my grant work. But then I’ll probably have to spend a little more time in Portland the next week since Chris will be in Seattle bidding on jobs.”

“He left?”

“He’ll be out of the office for the better part of the next few weeks. John was supposed to go, but Granddad and I decided that maybe Chris should go since John has a family.”

“Good.” He looked down at me before turning to walk toward the RV.

He gave me a look I wasn’t sure how to decipher then turned, and I watched him disappear into the RV.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Luke

Knowing she was sitting in those woods made me feel all kinds of things. Did I believe her? I knew what kind of man Chris was—he was liar. But I also knew that she hadn’t admitted that she was wrong about him and still didn’t realize what he was up to. I needed to get myself under control.

I walked back to the RV and climbed in. Ryan had laughed at me when I told him I was going to pull it out here for some peace and quiet. He said I was hiding, and maybe he was right. I needed space and time to figure this out. My heart felt like it had been shredded and then put back together only to be ripped apart again. There was nothing I wanted more than to be able to be with Emmy, but I didn't know if I could trust her.

“Luke!” I heard from outside of the RV. I stood and walked over and pushed the door open to see Ryan walking toward me.

“Ryan.”

“So, are you done being a baby?”

I flipped him off and closed the door.