I'm not thinking straight."
His chest expanded on a deep breath.
"If you're waiting for me to break up with you, you can stop waiting."
I grabbed onto the kitchen island to steady myself.
That's it? That's the end? "I can't do it," he said flatly.
"I can't even say I'll let you walk, if that's why you're here."
What? I frowned in confusion.
"You left your key at my place."
"I want it back."
"Gideon."
My eyes closed and tears tracked down my cheeks.
"You're an ass."
I walked away, moving toward my bedroom with a quick and slightly weaving stride that had nothing to do with the small amount of wine I'd sipped.
I had scarcely cleared the doorway of my room when he grabbed my elbow.
"I won't follow you inside," he said gruffly, his head bent to reach my ear.
"I promised you that.
But I'm asking you to stay and talk to me.
At least listen.
You came all this way - " "I have something for you."
It was hard for me to get the words past my tight throat.
He released me and I hurried to my purse.
When I faced him, I asked, "Were you breaking up with me when you left the key on my counter?" He filled the doorway.
His hands were extended above his shoulders, his knuckles white from the force with which he gripped the frame, as if he were physically restraining himself from following me.
The pose displayed his body beautifully, defining every muscle, allowing the drawstring waistband of his pants to cling to his hip bones.
I wanted him with every breath I took.
"I wasn't thinking that far ahead," he admitted.
"I just wanted you to feel safe."
My grip tightened around the object in my hand.
"You ripped my heart out, Gideon.
You have no idea what seeing that key lying there did to me.