The Secrets That We Keep Read Free Page B

gets in the way, but you are always going to be first in my heart.” I nod and smile and he continues. “Let’s go grab a drink. I could use one.”
    We keep a well-stocked bar in the house. We don’t drink often, but we do like to have a nice selection of liquor for when we have get togethers. Plus when people do come over, they always bring a bottle of something and our collection continues to grow.
    I take a seat at the island in the kitchen while he grabs a couple of glasses from the cupboard and pulls the liquor out from the mini bar. He has decided on Crown and Coke, and grabs the Vodka and some Cran-Grape juice for me. He doesn’t say anything while he pours the drinks and I don’t either. I just watch him, trying to get a feel for his mood. It looks like he’s thinking pretty hard about something. It’s almost like he isn’t even here with me. I’ve definitely seen this look before and it’s because he gets so caught up in his work all the time.
    He puts the glass in front of me and stays where he is, he doesn’t try to come around and sit down. I look up at him and smile. “Thank you .”
    “You’re very welcome ,” he says with an adorable smile.
    I take a sip of my drink. “ Mmm, this is perfect. You could be a bartender.”
    “I’m a man of many skills ,” he replies.
    I almost expect to see him grinning at me, or maybe giving me a wink as he says this, but he has a bit of a far off look in his eye. He’s not really looking at me, but past me. He finally seems to snap out of it and looks back down at me.
    “So, what have you been up to lately? Anyt hing exciting?” he asks, genuinely curious.
    I’m a bit thrown off because I always tell him what I’m doing. If I’m not working, I’m at home or hanging out with Jade and Michelle. Nothing too exciting. Plus while he was gone, I talked to him on the phone and pretty much gave him the boring rundown of my days.
    “Uh, no, nothing exciting. Just went out with Jade on Friday, and yesterday I was out with some clients, taking their engagement pictures. That’s about it.” I take another sip of my drink. Well, more like two or three sips. “I thought I told you that on the phone when you were gone.”
    He nods . “Oh yeah, that’s right.” He takes a big gulp of his drink then puts it down on the counter and smiles at me. “I love you so much Annabella.” He finally walks around towards me and pulls me up and into a hug. “Always and forever, no matter what.”
    My heart swells. He alw ays knows how to make me feel loved unconditionally. I look up at him and put my hands on both sides of his face. I rub my thumbs across his scruffy whiskers and say, “I love you more.”
    He shakes his head and gives a short laugh. “Not possible .”
    I let my hands drop to his chest and then lower onto his abs, I look up suggestively at him while I let one hand drop to the bulge in his jeans. I’m hoping to get us back on track to dessert.
    “I gotta go,” he forces out. At least he looks disappointed by having to say this, but I’m still not happy and don’t understand why he has to leave.
    “You just got home, why do you need to leave?” I don’t try to hide the annoyance in my voice. I am annoyed!
    “I gotta check on this information on this new case I’m on. I’m sorry baby, you know I am. I just have to do this. I’ll try not to be too long.” He gives me his adorably sad puppy dog face and I try to hide the smile that’s about to appear on my face. I can never stay mad at him long.
    “Oka y, fine. Stop with the sad face,” I say with a smirk. “Just hurry okay? Will you be home for dinner?” He looks up at the clock and makes a face and I already know I’m not going to like his answer.
    “Umm, I don’t know about that. By the time I drive into the city and do what I have to do and then drive back , it might be a little late for dinner. I’ll just pick something up for myself. Why don’t you go out with Jade or