Every Little Dream(34)

He gently pushes me off, then sits on the edge, his head in his hands. “This isn’t right. We can’t do this.”

I land on the bed beside him, cast off, unwanted. Did I read him wrong? Was his physical reaction something he’d have to any half-naked girl? Maybe it had nothing to do with me? Oh my, God.

He runs his hands through his hair. “It’s not what you think.”

In one rush, the stupidity of my decision takes over. The realization hits that his feelings aren’t returned. That just maybe he’s been taking me out to improve his image, to prove to his dad that he can be a good guy. I mean, why would a good looking guy like Chad who can have any girl he wants at any time, choose to be with me?

I scramble off the bed. Pressure behind my eyes builds and I struggle to hold back the tears until I leave. I can’t cry in front of him. I just can’t. That would be even more humiliating. Why did I talk myself into this?

“Katie…”

Quickly, I step into my sundress, hiding my bold attempt at seduction. What a complete joke. In the future, I need to stick to what I’m good at—being a friend. But on the inside, this thought goes against everything I’ve wanted for myself. I guess my dreams, my desires, are meant to be just that.

“Please don’t go. Let me explain.”

Right. Talk about how his feelings aren’t returned? Talk about how I just made a fool out of myself. I don’t think so.

At the door, he says my name again. “Please.”

I catch a sob before it escapes. Just hearing my name on his lips affects me. I have to leave and say goodbye. “Chad. It’s okay. I get it. No need to talk about it.”

Then I’m gone. I close the door to his bedroom and run through the apartment. I step outside and the rush of ocean air cools my skin. I text Justine. I’m walking home. Please come get me.

I bypass the walking and sprint away from the house. I turn down side streets at the sound of his bike revving up. I can’t accept the ride from him, my arms wrapped around him on the bike, not after his flat-out rejection.

When the sound of his bike fades, I step back on the main street. The darkness hides me well, the moon hidden by swirling clouds. I keep my head down and watch my feet pass over the cracks in the road. Justine will find me soon.

The engine of a car thrums next to me. Finally. I look up to find a Camaro keeping pace with me. The same car, it has to be. I flash back to the day this creep circled us in the parking lot. The times he’s hassled and whistled at me. Why can’t he let it go? He dangles his arm outside. All it takes is one glance to catch his blonde hair slicked to the side and the smirk on his face.

“Looking for a ride, gorgeous?” he drawls out.

“No.” I walk faster, my legs weak beneath me.

He doesn’t stop. “You look kinda lonely.”

“No thank you,” I say coldly. Where’s Justine?

“I don’t bite. Promise.”

A wave of relief crashes through me when I hear the familiar explosion of Justine’s exhaust. Her car rounds the bend and I wave her down, sprinting away. She pulls over on the other side of the road. I look both ways then cross, not looking back at the Camaro. He squeals out and takes off down the road.

I climb into the front seat. “Just drive.”

Justine pulls out again. I glance behind to make sure the creep isn’t following us.

“What’s wrong?” she asks.

“I’m sorry I dragged you out. I felt…sick and didn’t want to bother Chad for a ride home.” I hate lying to her but I can’t handle revealing what really happened. Not twice in the same night.

“Seriously? I can see right through you, but I’m not going to press you if you don’t want to talk.” She grabs my hand. “Did he hurt you?”

“Not like that.”

A text comes through.

Where are you? I can drive you home. I ignore it but a minute later another one comes through. Please. Just let me know you’re safe.

I think about that guy and text him back. I’m fine. I’m with Justine. You can go back home.

Okay, thanks.

I slump down in the seat. All I need is my bed and a night to escape this humiliation that won’t let go of me.





The next morning, I wake with a refreshed perspective. It’s amazing what a good night’s sleep will do. There are so many aspects I didn’t think about, like maybe Chad’s been seeing someone else or maybe I was just distraction and then he felt guilty because we’re friends. Whatever the reason I need to break this off. In all ways. I can’t move ahead if I still have ties to Chad, as bittersweet as this will be.

I borrow Justine’s car and head downtown to the law offices of Seymour and Blake. The money is still in the envelope. To really break ties I need to return this. With it in my closet, I’m just as bad as Chad, and after last night, I don’t want any part of that kind of deception.