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Every tiy seems to shift There’s a thick tension in the air, andback to e did the last time ere alone

Since I’s, I’m startled when Callum says, “Why did you break up with Oliver Castle?”

It jolts me, and makes me remember, uncomfortably, how Oliver accostedinto me like that? At first when he would findhim But even later—

“Well?” Callum interrupts

I sigh, annoyed to be talking about this again And without the likelihood of kinky jealousy-fueled sex afterward

“It just never felt right,” I say “It was like putting a shoe on the wrong foot Right away it ard, and the longer it went on, the worse it got”

“So you weren’t in love with him? When we met?” Callum asks

There’s the tiniest hint of vulnerability in his question

I’ve never heard Callum be vulnerable Not even one percent I desperately want to look at him, but I use all my willpower to keephonest for a minute, and I don’t want to ruin it

“I never loved him,” I tell Cal, my voice steady and sure

He exhales, and I know, I just know, there’s relief in that sigh

I have to s poetic

“What?” Callum asks

“Well, ironically, when I broke up with Oliver, I thought I should find someone more compatible Someone more like me”

Cal has to laugh, too