Trouble in Paradise by Three Way

I raised my arm nervously and sniffed my clothes, glancing at Pete. "What's wrong? Do I smell like something?"

Pete leaned in to sniff again, forcing me to back up until I was pressed against the window. Feeling embarrassed and annoyed, I snapped, "Pete! Don't get so close to me!" He straightened up with his hands on his hips. His face was dark when he said, "Smoke, alcohol, and... The scent of some random man."

I froze. I didn't expect him to actually find out.

I mumbled, "Maybe it's the driver. I took a cab today. I'm still not familiar with the roads here, so I didn't drive myself.

"No wonder Tabitha kept trying to squirm out of my arms earlier. I'll wash up after you leave."

My words made his heart clench with urgency. He could no longer remain composed.

Pete's lips trembled, his eyes turning red. His voice, although steady, carried a heavy weight as he called out my name.

"Ariana, you're hiding something from me." He knew me well enough.

to keep my distance. It was Pete who

hints were, I had always managed to dodge the subject. But being pushed by the appearance of Nicholas, it had made him speak more directly than ever

something that had nothing to do with him, why would I explain so much? He didn't dare continue to think what could make me

the whole time." Pete's voice was

around and

all these years of waiting for me, someone else had swooped in so suddenly. Did he realize too late how much he

stood there quietly, watching him. Seeing how much

you don't have to do

met Nicholas today, but nothing happened between us. We just caught up briefly and discussed

to check daycares for

telling you this because you have any right to ask about my life. I'm telling you because

how much I appreciate you, I'm not blind. I know how much you've done for me. That's exactly why