Page 106 of Scoring Destiny

“I can if it was a lie told specifically because I thought if I took one thing off your plate, it would be easier for you to decide what you needed to do.”

“What?!” My mouth falls open and I have to snap it shut. “What the fuck are you talking about?”

“I know. It was stupid as fuck. But it was the only thing I could think of to make you believe that I didn’t love you. Because I do. More than anything.”

I was gearing up to give him a piece of my mind but that last part of what he said makes my brain go blank. There’s only one thing I can focus on: It was the only thing I could think of to make you believe that I didn’t love you.

“I don’t…understand.” My stomach feels weird and my eyes are a little scratchy.

He puts his hands on either side of my face. “I don’t love Shandy. I haven’t loved her in a really long time. But you sounded so damn confused and overwhelmed, I just wanted to take myself out of the equation. So it would be easier for you.”

“You thought…taking yourself out of the equation would make my life…easier?” I blink up at him in confusion. “You actually thought breaking my heart would somehow help?”

He nods sheepishly. “But I broke my own in the process. I love you, Maya. I have almost since the beginning.”

I’m not sure I understand what he’s saying.

“What—”

“It was stupid,” he continues. “But your brother and a few of our friends set me straight.”

“My…brother?” Now I’m really confused.

But he’s pulling me close, hands sliding down and settling on either side of my waist.

“If you’ll give me another chance, I’ll make this up to you.”

“I don’t understand.” I shake my head, though I make no attempt to move away from him.

“I lied,” he says patiently. “I wanted you to be able to take the job in New Zealand or work with Shandy, without any perceived obligation to me.”

“Obligation?” For the first time, I feel a flash of anger. “You think my love for you is an obligation?” I shove him back, putting some space between us. “That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard in my life!”

“I know. That’s what I’ve been trying to apologize for.”

“Do you understand how deeply you hurt me?” I demand. “I loved you. More than that, I trusted you!”

“I know.”

“Stop saying you know!”

“Okay.” He just stands there, watching, apparently willing to wait for me to finish yelling at him.

“Dammit, Cash!” I walk back up to him and shove him again. “Why would you do that to us?”

“Because I thought it would be better for you. That being with me would just hold you back.”

“You’re not still hung up on Shandy.” I search his face intently.

“Fuck no. Not even a little.”

“Why should I believe you?”

“Because your brother will kill me if I lie to you again.”

That almost earns him a smile. Almost.

But I’m still pissed.