Before he can respond, I open the door, grab my things, and bolt toward my room. I cut across the soaking grass and curse at myself for not taking the sidewalk, but I just need to get as far away from Hardin as possible. When he said he wants me, he meant sexually. I knew this but it hurts to let it soak in.
“Tessa!” I hear him call. One of Steph’s heels drops and falls to the ground but I keep running. I will get her a new pair.
“Damn it, Tessa! Stop!” he yells again. I hadn’t expected him to follow me. I push myself to run faster, and finally I reach my building and run down the hall. By the time I reach my dorm room, I am full-on sobbing. I yank the door open, then slam it shut behind me. My tears mix with the rain and I turn to look for my bath towel to clean off with—
And am frozen in place when I see Noah sitting on my bed.
Oh God, not now. Hardin will be crashing through the door any second.
Noah gets up and rushes toward me. “Tessa, what is wrong? Where have you been?” His hand tries to cup my cheek, but I turn my head. Pain flashes in his eyes as I turn away from his touch.
“It’s . . . I am so sorry, Noah,” I cry as Hardin yanks the door open, the hinges squeaking and cracking from his might.
Noah’s eyes widen and narrow as his gaze meets Hardin’s. He backs away from me with a horrified expression. Hardin tosses the high heel that I left behind and walks farther into the room without acknowledging Noah’s presence at all.
“I didn’t mean that, what I just said,” he says.
Noah looks at me, hatred laced through his voice as he exclaims, “That’s where you were? You were with him all night? Are those his clothes? I tried to call you and text you all night and all morning—I left you countless voicemails and you were with him?”
“What? I—” I start, but then turn to Hardin. “You went through my phone, didn’t you? You deleted the messages!” I shout at him. My head tells me to answer Noah, but my heart is focused only on Hardin.
“Yeah . . . I did,” he admits.
“Why the hell would you do that? You can answer Molly’s calls, but you delete my messages from my boyfriend?!”
He winces as I call Noah my boyfriend.
“How dare you play these games with me, Hardin!” I scream, sobbing again.
Noah grabs my wrist and turns me to face him, which only prompts Hardin to shove Noah back by his shoulders.
“Do not touch her,” he growls.
This is not happening. I watch as the daytime soap opera that has become my life unfolds in front of me.
“You don’t tell me what to do with my girlfriend, you prick,” Noah says angrily, and shoves Hardin.
Hardin advances toward Noah once more, but I grab his shirt and pull him back. Maybe I should let them fight each other. Hardin deserves a good punch in the jaw.
“Stop it! Hardin, just go!” I wipe my tears.
Hardin glares at Noah again and moves to stand in front of me. I reach over and gently place my palm against Hardin’s back, hoping it may help calm him.
“No, I’m not leaving this time, Tessa. I have already done that too many times.” He sighs and runs his fingers through his hair.
“Tessa, make him leave!” Noah begs, but I ignore him. I have to know what Hardin will say.
“I didn’t mean what I said in the car, and I don’t know why I took Molly’s phone call. It’s a habit, I guess—please just give me another chance. I know you have already given me too many chances, but I just need one more. Please, Tess.” He lets out a big breath. He sounds exhausted.
“Why should I, Hardin? I have continued to give you chances to be my friend over and over,” I tell him. “I don’t think I have it in me to try again.” I am faintly aware of Noah gaping at us, but at the moment I don’t care. I know this is wrong—I’m wrong—but I’ve never wanted anything so much in my life.
“I don’t just want to be friends . . . I want more.” His words knock the wind right out of me.
“No, you don’t.” Hardin doesn’t date, my subconscious warns.