me a hopeful smile. “Instead of letting my indiscretion tear us apart, let’s work to overcome it. We’ll be a stronger couple in the long run.”
Holy crap, the guy is serious. Well, color me stunned. I didn’t think it was possible for Justin to shock me anymore than he already has, but I was mistaken. This conversation has totally thrown me for a loop.
“Why would we do that?” My brows beetle together as confusion spirals through me. “It’s not like we were seeing each other for that long.” I wave a hand in his direction. “In fact, you’re the one who said we weren’t serious. And you obviously didn’t like me enough to remain faithful. So...why bother? Why not move on?”
“You’re right, I did say that. I thought I was being considerate by getting my needs taken care of elsewhere.”
A snort of disbelief escapes from me. I just can’t with this guy.
“I like you, Demi. A lot. And I’m human.”
Is he really playing the human card?
I made a mistake,” he continues. “Can’t you find it in your heart to forgive me?”
No, I really can’t. Once trust is broken, it’s almost impossible to earn it back again. Why is he even fighting for this relationship?
“Look,” I huff, only wanting to pull the plug on this conversation. At this point, I regret ever giving Justin a chance. It was a lapse in judgment on my part. Deep down, I suspected it wouldn’t work out in the long run, but even I couldn’t have imagined how it would implode. “I appreciate your apology, but our relationship is over.” Sure, I could tell him that I was planning to end things before I found him with Annica, but what good would that do? He needs to accept that my answer is final and move on.
Relief bursts inside me when I realize we’ve reached Corbin Hall and this conversation, whether he wants it to be or not, is over. Just like our relationship.
My gaze reluctantly flickers to Rowan, who lounges outside the brick building. It’s hardly a surprise to find him swarmed by a group of students vying for his attention. There’s something about the blond football player that attracts both men and women. He’s like the sun, and they want to be in his orbit, even if it’s for a moment. I would be lying if I didn’t admit that I feel the same gravitational pull myself. There’s an unrelenting energy that refuses to be subdued. I’ve spent years struggling against the force of it.
Images from Saturday night crash unwantedly through my head. Days later, I can almost feel the warm drift of his breath across my lips, and the hope that had spiraled through me when I’d thought he would kiss me.
Thankfully, that didn’t happen. It would have only complicated matters. Already it feels like we’re walking a fine line.
And yet...it’s not relief that floods through me.
Our gazes collide, and Rowan’s eyes narrow before shifting to Justin who continues doggedly at my side.
“Instead of making a snap decision, one you’ll probably regret, why don’t you take a few days to think it over.”
“That’s not nec—”
My voice is cut off as I’m yanked against a hard body.
“You heard her, Fischer,” Rowan snaps, “she doesn’t need more time. It’s over.”
Justin presses his lips into a tight line as his expression turns stony. “Why are you always hovering around, Michaels?” His narrowed gaze fills with suspicion as he waggles a finger between us. “Oh. I get it. Maybe the reason you’re not interested in working things out with me is because you’ve been sneaking around behind my back! Maybe that’s why you weren’t interested in spreading your legs.” Justin stabs a finger in Rowan’s direction. “You’ve been screwing around with him.”
My jaw drops at his sudden turnabout, and I rear back as if I’ve been slapped. I didn’t think it was possible to feel more hurt by his behavior.
“Do you really believe that?” My chest constricts, and I’m barely able to force out the question.
An ugly glint sparks to life in his eyes as he jerks his shoulders. His voice grows louder, booming over the crowd, attracting more unwanted attention. “Who are you trying to kid? Everyone knows you’ve been making your way through the football roster for years.”
Even though Justin doesn’t mean a damn thing to me, hurt and humiliation flood through me. Those rumors have always floated around campus. Every once in a while, they rear their ugly head. It’s the reason I don’t