Lying in the Sand Read Free

“This conversation isn’t over. Do not walk away from me.”
    She tore her arm away. “There’s nothing left to say.”
    He kept his hands by his sides, staring her down. “I have a very strict set of rules for relationships. The reason why I have them is because they always work. Boundaries are necessary for success. There are certain things I won’t negotiate on. This is one of them.”
    “Fine.” Nancy already knew she wouldn’t be getting her way.
    “But since Grace unnerved you and I was ignorant to her intent, I’ll make an exception.”
    She stared into his eyes, trying to hide her surprise.
    “And because I love you so much. If you don’t want me to have a female assistant, I won’t. But just remember that this request hurts me. When it comes down to it, you don’t trust me. Grace may have tricked me, but never once did I even consider doing anything with her. My fidelity was never an issue, just my good-hearted nature.” He stepped away and turned around. “I’ll call her back and tell her there’s been a mistake. Then I’ll search for male assistants.”
    Now Nancy felt guilty. “Thatcher, wait.”
    He turned around, the tension in his shoulders. His blue eyes had darkened to gray. The hurt as well as the anger shined through.
    She walked across the hardwood floor until she reached him. “I’m sorry…”
    “For what?”
    “You’re the most amazing thing that ever happened to me and I don’t want to lose you. I’m afraid to even risk it.” She felt the tears bubble underneath. “Every day I wonder what you see in me. I’m not perfect like you. I’m not talented like you. You’re the single most beautiful person I’ve known, on the inside as well as the outside. I’m full of flaws. I’m jealous, insecure, and gullible. The math just doesn’t add up…”
    Thatcher’s eyes softened. He moved his palms to either side of her face, forcing her to look at him. “We’re the opposite sides of the same coin. I may excel in some aspects more than you, but you succeed in areas where I struggle. We aren’t soul mates because we’re identical. We’re soul mates because we fit together perfectly. So don’t compare me to you because we’re the same entity.” When a tear fell down her cheek, he wiped it away with the pad of his thumb.
    She placed her hands on his forearms and felt the tendons and muscle underneath. “You don’t have to get rid of her. It’s okay.”
    “If this is what you want, I’ll do it.”
    “No, it’s okay.”
    Thatcher studied her face. “I’m starting to realize that relationships are also about compromise. If there’s something I can do to make you feel more comfortable, I should.”
    “No, I trust you.”
    He smirked. “Now we’re butting heads again.”
    Nancy knew her request was immature. But after Derek betrayed her, hurt her and lied to her face, she couldn’t help but feel a little paranoid. Thatcher swept her off her feet and made everything better. If she ever lost him, the aftermath would be unbearable. “Have you ever had something so amazing that everyone else wanted it too…?”
    He stared into her face. “Yes. You.”
    Her cheeks blushed slightly. “I just don’t want to lose you.”
    “You can’t.” He pressed his lips to her forehead and left them there for a long time. Then he pulled away. “This is your last chance. What do you want me to do?”
    Even though Nancy didn’t want Lily around, she had to get over it. Thatcher was around women everywhere he went. If something was going to happen, it really didn’t matter when or where. “Yes.”
    He rubbed his nose against hers. “Thank you for trusting me.”
    “Without trust, there is no relationship, right?”
    He kissed her cheek. “Yes. But that doesn’t mean we can’t make it easier to trust each other.” His hands moved up her back then rested under her ribs. He pressed his forehead to hers and closed his eyes, savoring the connection they both felt.

Chapter