She hesitated. "I don't want to cause trouble."
"You won't."
She decided to play the victim card. "She's your wife, Fitz."
"And?"
Mabel looked at him. "I wouldn't want to come between you."
For a moment, Fitzgerald said nothing. Then he gave a quiet laugh. "Is that what you're worried about?"
She lowered her gaze.
He moved closer. "Look at me."
Mabel did.
"You're not causing me trouble."
"But Charlotte—"
"Charlotte and I have a life together. We have children, responsibilities and a history that neither of us can simply erase."
Mabel listened.
"But that doesn't mean I can't care about you."
She remained quiet.
Fitzgerald brushed his thumb over her cheek. "I don't want you sitting here wondering whether you're allowed to matter to me."
Mabel's eyes tightened. "Do I?"
He looked almost offended by the question.
"Of course you do."
She smiled faintly. "Sometimes I don't know where I stand."
"Then let me make it clear."
