smile. “We’re not together, so it really doesn’t concern me.” I attempted to push my broken heart down deep so I didn’t have to deal with it just yet and turned on my heel, heading for the elevator.
“Shaw.” His voice was ravaged with distress, but I didn’t turn back to look at him. How could I when my tears were flooding down my face and I could barely see in front of me?
I stabbed at the call button and whispered a small thanks to whoever was watching over me when the doors opened instantly. Stepping into the elevator, I waited for the doors to close before I released the sob that was shredding my throat in an attempt to get free.
Chapter 30
Jagger
I swallowed a groan just as Kayla came bouncing out of the kitchen to follow her girlfriend. The two of them had slept at my place the night before, thanks to something going on with their air conditioning. It had been so uncomfortably hot in their apartment, they hadn’t even wanted to go in and get a change of clothes the night before. So I’d given her and Dana two of my shirts to sleep in.
The issue had been taken care of earlier that morning, and the two women had waited until I woke up so they could make me breakfast as a thank-you.
Kayla now had their clothes from the day before folded in her arms, but Shaw hadn’t seen her or the clothes. All she’d seen was Dana, in my T-shirt, and me in my boxers. It looked bad. So fucking bad. But it was innocent enough if she’d just stopped for two seconds and let me explain.
Instead, she’d given me back my key, told me it wasn’t any of her business, and walked away.
Reinforcing that she didn’t love me after all.
“Maybe I should explain this to her,” Dana said, biting her lip as she continued to look toward the elevator, as if she expected Shaw to come back at any moment, claws out as she demanded answers. Because if she loved me, that was what she would have been doing.
“There’s nothing to explain,” I told her with a grim smile. “I need to jump in the shower, ladies. Hit me up again whenever you need assistance.”
Kayla blew me a kiss and took Dana’s hand. “Thanks, big guy. You saved us from having to go to a hotel last night. You need anything, just let us know.” As they turned to go and I stepped back into the apartment, I heard Dana telling Kayla about Shaw’s showing up at the absolute wrong time.
Clenching my fingers into tight fists, I grabbed my phone on the way back to my room.
Me: Shaw just showed up at my place.
Mia: Details!!!
Me: She gave me back my key.
Mia: …
Mia: …
Mia: …
Mia: Wait, what?
Me: She gave me back my key and left. End of story.
Mia: I’m so confused right now.
Me: Why? Were you expecting her to show up?
Mia: Okay. DON’T be mad. But…
Me: What, Mia?!?
Mia: Momma and I had lunch with Shaw and Aunt D. We kind of ganged up on her.
Mia: But she left before the food even arrived. She was going to see you. To tell you she was sorry and she loves you. NOT TO GIVE YOU BACK THE KEY. I swear, Jags. I swear to you, she was coming to make up.
My heart turned to lead, and my knees gave out. I dropped on the edge of my bed, realizing my mistake in not going after Shaw. I should have made her listen to the truth. Not just let her walk away.
Was it too late?
Of course, it fucking was. She wasn’t going to listen to anything I said about the subject now. Only a few minutes had passed, but it was too much time for Shaw to trust that I wasn’t making it all up.
Me: I fucked up.
Mia: …
Mia: How?
Me: I have a history with one of my neighbors. From years ago. But Shaw knew about it. The girl is in a relationship with the love of her life now. I swear it. But last night, their AC wasn’t working, and I let her and her girlfriend stay in my extra room. You couldn’t even breathe in their place last night, so they didn’t go back for a change of clothes and I gave them T-shirts to sleep in. Shaw showed up as they were leaving, but she only saw the one I have history with.