Calling Me Back Read Online Free Page A

himself and his relationship with Emma? I mean, I was totally biased of course, but I just didn’t get them as a couple. They didn’t seem to like spending time together.
    “The marrying kind, I suppose.” He looked at me and I raised my eyebrows. “Do I sound like a tit?”
    I laughed, relieved to be normal for just a few seconds. “Maybe a little.”
    “I don’t mean that I’m a player and I need my freedom. I’ve never cheated on Emma or anyone else. It’s just, I don’t see the point in marriage.”
    “But if it’s important to her and you love her . . .” Say no. Say you love me.
    “Right. Yes.”
    “Then . . . if you’re not bothered but you just don’t believe in the institution, I . . . You could do it—for her. Maybe you give her what she needs?” Was I really trying to talk Luke into marrying someone who wasn’t me?
    “Even though I don’t think that’s what I want? It’s not that I don’t believe in marriage. I do. I believed in it for my parents. But for me? I just don’t think it fits.”
    I set my sandwich down in front of me. My appetite had officially died. This conversation was not how I imagined spending my lunch hour. “What are you going to do?”
    He shrugged. “I don’t know. She really wants this, and kids and everything.” It wasn’t a surprise, but hearing it made it real. A selfish part of me was relieved I was dating Richard. It was evidence that one part of my brain could use to show the other part that there wasn’t a real reason to be devastated because, after all, I had a boyfriend.
    “You don’t want kids?”
    “Not really. Certainly not yet. But it’s clearly been on Emma’s mind a while. God, I’m sorry to be bending your ear about this. It’s a first world problem compared to the stuff you’ve got going on at work. You’re right. I am a tit.”
    I rolled my eyes at him. “I didn’t say that.”
    “Let’s talk about you. If it’s serious with Richard, how come we haven’t met him yet?” he asked.
    I couldn’t picture that moment. Luke meeting Richard wasn’t something I wanted to happen anytime soon. I didn’t want to see them together. I knew I’d compare the two of them more than I did already, and Richard would likely come off the loser. He didn’t deserve that. He was a good guy and a great catch. Everyone at the hospital continually told me how lucky I was, how perfect we were for each other.
    “Just busy, I guess,” I replied. “What else is going on with you? How’s work?” I hoped he’d take the hint and change the subject.
    “Busy. They confirmed they’re putting me up for partnership this year.”
    “Wow, Luke, that’s amazing.” I grinned at him. He’d worked so hard for so long. I was happy that he was finally starting to see some rewards. He was one of life’s good guys. He’d gained success through determination and hard work, not politicking and backstabbing. He deserved this.
    He smiled back, a little embarrassed. “There are no guarantees. I’d be one of the youngest partners ever made up if I got it, so . . .”
    For a second, I forgot about the distance I was supposed to be putting between us, and I grabbed his hand and squeezed. “I’m proud of you,” I said. “Your parents would be so, so proud.” The death of Luke’s mum and dad just before he started college had been horrific, but he’d kept it together, scooped up Haven and given her everything she needed emotionally. His college work had never wavered; he’d always kept his grades up at the same time as making sure Haven was looked after. I’d always been amazed at how adult he’d become, overnight. He’d inherited the mantle of the head of his family, and it was a responsibility he took seriously. He wanted to live the legacy of his parents—that kind, honest, hardworking people would win out in the end.
    He looked down at the table and nodded, twisting his wrist so we were holding hands across the table. “Promise me you