distort the features of the man-who-looks-just-like-Collin. “It is real. It’s me.”
And just like that, my pain comes back with a vengeance, searing across my soul like a meteor blazing through the sky. I slap him viciously across the face.
He takes the blow, his head barely moving, but a hand-print is left on his cheek. A few of the diners gasp, reminding me that we have an audience, but I don’t care.
I don’t know how it’s possible that Collin is standing in front of me, but the cheek that just grazed across my palm felt like Collin. It has the same rough stubble and smooth skin underneath it that I’d grown to love, and the cedar scent wafting from him smells exactly like the man who stole my heart.
Tears threaten to fill my eyes, but fuck no, that’s not happening. For the past two months, I’ve learned to live without the man in front of me, and I’m not about to lose that ability.
“You bastard! What do you want?”
His jaw tightens as a regretful expression fills his face. His gaze roams over my features again, as if memorizing how I look. “They changed my sentencing. I’m free now, kind of, and I chose your pack as the place for my rehabilitation.”
Rehabilitation? He’s free now?
My chest is rising and falling too fast. I can’t take it anymore. I whirl away from him and hurry to clean up my other tables. The patrons remaining in the restaurant are all watching us avidly. I’m sure this is the best show they’ve seen all year.
At least it’s already mid-afternoon. The lunch rush has ended and the slow part of the day has begun. My shift ends in ten minutes, but I don’t know how I’m going to finish with Collin Ward standing at my back.
The diner’s owner comes out from the kitchen. She’s frowning, so I’m guessing she witnessed most of what happened. She approaches me slowly, a wary look on her face when she eyes Collin. “Brianna? Sweety, are you okay?”
I nod quickly. “Yeah. I’m fine. Sorry that I caused a commotion.”
“No, it’s okay.” She pries the washrag from my hands. “Why don’t you head out and I’ll finish. Your shift is almost done anyway.”
When I begin to protest, she gives me a firm squeeze. “It’s okay. Go.”
I give her a grateful smile and manage to collect my things without causing further fuss. Collin waits by the door the entire time, as if I’m going to walk out with him.
I snort. If that’s what he thinks is happening, he’s in for a rude awakening.
After I slip on my jacket and shoulder my purse, I ignore the remaining diners who all watch me with interest, as if waiting for the dramafest between Collin and me to continue.
But instead of embarrassing myself further, I push through the front door. I practically hear the diners’ collective sigh of disappointment.
On the sidewalk, I pull the collar of my jacket up higher. A cold January breeze stings my cheeks. Winter here is a bitch. My grandmother warned me that I was in for a shock since I’m from the southwest, and she wasn’t kidding. It’s fucking freezing in this state.
Footsteps sound behind me, and I know Collin’s following me. I also know that he wants me to know he’s following, because I can hear him.
But I ignore him and hurry my pace. My car’s parked on the next block. Only a few more steps until I reach it.
“Brianna,” Collin calls when I cross the intersection. He increases his pace until he’s striding beside me. “Please. Can I talk to you?”
I don’t respond and instead pull my keys out. My car, a gift from my grandparents, is parked ahead. It’s a cute little bright-blue SUV with all-wheel drive and heated seats. It’s by far the nicest vehicle I’ve ever owned.
I click my key fab and the doors unlock.
“Brianna,” Collin says, his tone exasperated.
When I reach my car, I go to open the door, but he places his hand on it and blocks me.
Bastard! I finally give him my attention, but I’m seething. “Let. Me. In. My. Car.”
His jaw works, the muscle ticking. “Not until you’ve let me say a few things.”
“I don’t have to let you say anything.” I wrench at the door handle, but he doesn’t budge.
I’m contemplating slapping him again when he says in a rush, “Will you please just listen to me? Please? Can we go somewhere and talk?”