“It’s the idea of you being with her. I went crazy.”
“Keep your voice down,” I hiss and take a small step back, keeping a safe distance between us. “Listen, nothing has changed, we can’t see each other anymore.”
She grabs my arm in desperation. “I swear, I don’t want to interfere in your marriage. Your wife will never find out about us.”
I shake her off and my gaze sweeps the stairway and bank of cameras no doubt capturing this moment.Fuck. I suck in another deep breath, clenching my fists at my sides as my gaze bores into hers. “Listen to me, Amy. Really hear me. This is over, things have changed.”
“I’ll do anything, Joe. Whatever you want. You can trust me.” Her green eyes glisten with unshed tears and her face contorts with desperation.
“Amy. Just stop!” I pull away and attempt to step back from her again.
“Joe—I’m in love with you and I know you love me too. Look at me. Look into my eyes and tell me you don’t love me.”
I stare into her teary feline eyes. They’re beautiful. “I don’t love you, Amy. It’s all in your head. Just stop now.”
“You stop it, Joe! Stop treating me like this – are you telling me that all your feelings for me have changed overnight?”
“What feelings? Feelings were never part of the deal.” I squeeze the bridge of my nose and look up at her. A tear escapes her eye and cleaves her cheek. “Annie is pregnant.”
We stand in long silence before I break it again. “I need to get back inside.”
“Please.” Her shuddering breaths make her voice shake. “I’m not asking you to leave her, just don’t leaveme, Joe.”
“Amy, we’re done.”
She wipes her eyes and sniffs, then tips her head in surrender. “Okay, Joe, we’re done.” She sucks in her lower lip that’s tipped downwards and her eyes shimmer in the crisp morning sun. Tucking her hands into her thin cardigan, she turns away, taking the steps two at a time before vanishing around the corner.
Watching her disappear doesn’t make me feel any better.