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.

who had relentlessly found reasons to see me, using both work and Tabitha as

were, I had always managed to dodge the subject. But being pushed by the appearance of

had nothing to do with him, why would I explain so much?

I'm staying by your side the whole time." Pete's voice was heavy

and

how, after all these years of waiting for me, someone else had swooped in

watching him. Seeing how much he

don't have to do

today, but nothing happened between us. We just caught up briefly and discussed some work

I went to

about my life. I'm telling you

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