“You can’t.”
“Yes, I can.”
I growl. “Why are you being so damn stubborn?”
“Because Vince is being very kind in offering me an apartment. Something I really need right now.”
“Luce, do you know Vince well? I meanreallywell?”
She frowns. “He’s my uncle, so yes, I think I know him well.”
“He’s Joseph’s bookie.”
Her eyes widen. “Not this again. I already told you, he’s a businessman. He doesn’t even like Joseph. Why the hell do you keep thinking he’s a bookie?”
“Because I heard him on the phone with Joseph—”
“And you probably misunderstood. I’m sure Vince was just bailing Joseph out of whatever mess he got himself into. Vince is good like that. He helps people.”
“No, that food bank is a front for something. I’m not sure what yet but trust me Vince is involved in illegal activity. You can’t stay in his apartment.”
I step out of her office and stand in the hallway, hopefully ending this conversation. Lucy glares at me, then follows. She locks her door, and we walk down the hall and outside.
“I can’t stay in his apartment?” She’s staring straight ahead.
Damn it. The conversation apparently isn’t over. “It wouldn’t be safe.”
She laughs. “Staying in Vince’s apartment is a lot safer than staying with you.”
What the hell does thatmean?I open my mouth, but before I get any words out, she continues.
“I’m sorry you’re suspicious of Vince, but trust me, he’s a good man. And I don’t like you throwing around your suspicions in an attempt to control me.”
I stop walking in the middle of the quad. “Controlyou?” I yell because, god dammit, this woman is infuriating.
She stops and spins around, pinning me with her stare. “Yes, control. I wouldn’t let my dad control me. So, what makes you think I will let you? Now please let me go. I need to think.”
What? I came here to take her out on a date. “Wait, I’m sorry,” I say. “Can we go back to my place and talk?”
She turns away. “No. I’ll stay at Connie’s tonight, then move into Vince’s apartment tomorrow.”
A sense of panic seeps in.What the hell just happened?
“Just like that?” I press. “I worry about you, and just like that, you’re shutting me out?”
When she turns to face me again, I’m not ready for the hurt in her eyes.
“What the hell are we doing?” she demands. “You live in California, I live here. We have been playing with fire by getting close again. And I heard you on the phone.” She squeezes her eyes shut, and when they open, a tear falls to her cheek.
“You heard me? What do you mean you heard me?”What is she talking about?
“You’re going to Afghanistan for a month. I heard you agree to that. You tell me you want us to be together, yet you aren’t even planning to be here. I can’t take you breaking my heart again.” Her voice cracks. “Cody, we need to slow this down. Let’s just keep our distance until you get back. It will make it easier.”
“Easier?” I choke out. “You think being apart is easier? I’ve spent the last thirteen years missing you, wondering how things could have been different. I haven’t loved another woman. Not one, Luce.” I take a breath. “As for Afghanistan, Ihaveto go. I know the contact for this mission personally. It’s my contact. But after that, I’m working on getting myself back to Washington state permanently. Just give us a little time to figure this out.”
“We can figure it out when you get back. Please, just give me some space right now.” She sniffles then walks away, leaving me standing there like the asshole I am.
Why didn’t I tell her about the trip last night? I wanted to, but after I told her about Randy, she wasn’t herself. I didn’t want to pile more on. But now look where we are: I’m likely leaving in a week, and she’s going to move right into danger.
