Scooting out of my chair, before I burst into tears, I say, “You shouldn’t say things like that to me.” I stand up, and he does the same. “Sit down.” I back away. “I don’t want to be close to you.”
“Why are you running from me?” Taking off his jacket, he tosses it over the chair and comes toward me.
“You know why.” I hold out my hands and take two steps back.
His brows pinch together. “What’s wrong with you? Why aren’t you letting me touch you?” He rolls up his sleeves to the elbows, then loosens his collar. He’s stressed.
I watch him work his jaw with every single step. “Back up, Luke. I know everything!” I’m shaking in anger, and my eyes well up with tears.
There’s determination on his face, as he continues moving toward me until the back of my shoe hits the wall, and his hands are on my shoulders.
An instant jolt of electricity shoots through my body, then he asks angrily, “Is it the neighbor?”
I glare. “How dare you ask me that! You don’t have that right anymore.”
He leans his head down, and I’m immediately intoxicated by his scent. His mouth is dangerously close to mine. “Talk to me Reese,” he whispers, scanning my face like he really does love me.
I shake my head, and try to swallow the lump in my throat. “I don’t trust you.”
Hurt flashes in his eyes, but I won’t fall for it this time. I can’t.
“Stop looking at me like—”
“Like what?” he snaps, raking a hand through his hair. “Like it’s taking every part of me not to touch you?” he adds, confused. “I just want to be with you.”
“You’re a liar!” The dam has burst, and now I’m sobbing. “I lost my father three months ago. I was alone!”
“I should have been there for you, and I’m so sorry I wasn’t.”
I wipe my face with the back of my hands. “I don’t want to hear your excuses. I already know the truth.”
Surprise flashes over his features.
“That’s right, Luke. I know.”
His eyes narrow as he watches me for a minute, and then his face pales. “Who told you?”
“Is that all you care about?” I can’t believe that’s his response!
“C’mon.” He frowns. “You know me better than that. Look, you have every reason to hate me. But I was protecting you. I couldn’t tell you at the time.”
“So that makes it okay to go behind my back?”
Nodding, he says, “Yes, in a way. If you’ll let me get a word in, I’ll explain.”
“If you have a heart, you’ll spare me the details,” I cry. “How could you do this to me?” I’m definitely not holding back.
He tugs at his hair. “I thought that after I told you everything, it would make sense to you why I did it.”
“And you thought I’d be okay with it? That I’d just move on and pretend like it never happened? What kind of person do you think I am?” I shove him, but he grabs my wrists and pulls me toward him.
“I’m sorry, Reese …” He swallows. “I’m hoping one day you can forgive me. I didn’t mean for it to happen.” A tear rolls down his cheek. I can’t believe he’s just as upset as I am.
“Get away from me!” I shove him again. “I’ll never be able to forgive you!”
His face is full of conflict. “In time you could try.” He reaches out to wipe away my tears.
“I said get away from me!” I cry.
He rubs the space between his brows, and his other hand rests on his hip. “You really want to do this? After all the history between us?”
Unable to look at his pain-stricken face, I turn away. “Please. Just leave.” I squeeze my eyes shut.
I feel him hesitating behind me, but after a few seconds, his footsteps slowly fade.
I know he’s still there, but it’s quiet for a moment before he eventually speaks. “I’ll respect your wishes and leave you alone, but I’m not going to stop loving you.” He gives a sardonic laugh. “I never could.”