Into The Fire - E. L. Todd Page 0,78

because he was jealous and possessive.

He lied right to my face.

His honesty attracted me to him in the beginning. He didn’t care what anyone thought of him so he blurted everything out without thinking twice about it. If you asked for his opinion, he would give it to you straight, no matter how painful it was. I never wondered what he was thinking or feeling because he told me the truth.

But that was an act.

I’d never forget how painful it was to see that girl standing in his apartment. She was wearing the blue t-shirt I’d seen him wear several times. I even wore it myself when I left the bedroom to get something to drink. Seeing it on someone else reminded me how insignificant I was.

In a few months, he wouldn’t even remember my name.

I always fell for the wrong ones. Why? I wasn't a masochist but sometimes I felt like it.

I went out with Brad again and wondered if something physical would happen. We hadn’t even kissed yet, and now it seemed pretty lame. At first, I thought he was just traditional and slow. But now I was just irritated. How did I know if we had any chemistry unless we physically touched? I wasn’t a slut but this was moving too slow. I needed something.

I met him at the restaurant and sat across from him. Even though we’d been on four dates, it didn’t seem like this was going anywhere other than deepening a friendship. It seemed like that’s all he wanted. I wasn’t ready to fall in love, but I didn’t want to hang out with someone when I had plenty of friends.

He seemed different that night, like he was uncomfortable or didn’t want to be there. He fidgeted a lot, touching his menu or swirling his wine too many times. Something was clearly on his mind.

“Everything okay?”

He put the glass down and sighed. “Actually, no.”

What? Was he mad that I slept with Ash after all? Did he change his mind? Was it something else? Maybe me being an escort got under his skin after all? “What is it?”

“I don’t know how to say this…I feel like a jerk.”

“It’s okay,” I said. “I have a thick skin.”

“Well…” He released another sigh. “Remember my ex I told you about?”

“Yes.” I couldn’t recall her name, but yes, I knew whom he was talking about.

“She called me the other night.”

“Oh?” What other reaction was I supposed to give?

“We got to talking and reminiscing and…she said she wants to get back together.” He was at war with himself. It was clear he was happy by the news but he felt guilty for wasting my time.

“Oh.” I wasn’t expecting that.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to do this.”

“No…it’s okay.” I was just a little suspicious. Tony called me out of the blue and I didn’t think it was entirely friendly. “I’m happy for you if you’re happy. I just…don’t jump the gun.”

“Meaning?”

“I don’t know…remember what she did to you. Don’t take her back so easily. Make her work for it. If she sees you come back to her so quickly, she might do it to you again in the future. You know what I’m saying?”

He shrugged. “I think she just got cold feet and needed space before she realized what she really wanted.”

“But that isn’t fair to you.” I didn’t want to come off harsh but I cared about him. “What she did was wrong and she needs to understand that.”

“I know,” he said in agreement. “If she were anyone else, I’d just kick her to the side but—”

“She’s the one.” I understood that all too well.

“Yeah,” he whispered.

“I’m happy for you,” I said. “There are no hard feelings—honestly.”

“Really?” he asked. “That’s more than I deserve.”

“It’s really not a big deal. Things happen. And I know how you felt about her.”

“Thanks for being so understanding.”

“Of course,” I said. “I just hope things work out this time around.”

“I think they will,” he said. “She seemed sincere. And when I told her I was seeing you, she was really jealous.” He smiled. “I particularly liked that part.”

I chuckled. “Rub it in a little bit.”

He sipped his wine again. “Can we still have dinner together?”

“Sure. I’d like that.” I clanked my glass against his.

“Well, it looks like you can be with that guy again.”

I wish it were that easy. “No…I just stopped seeing him. If I give in again, I’ll be stuck there forever.”

“He’s not the committing type?”

“Nope.”

“Typical heartbreaker…”

“Exactly,” I said. “I would love