Matchplay A New Adult Romance - By Dakota Madison Page 0,57

forgotten we had made plans for an early dinner. He was going to take me for dumplings.

Aaron ran up to me and asked me what was wrong.

“Chloe Wendell is in my class.”

I could see all of the blood drain from his face.

“When we saw her pass by us the other day, I asked you if you knew her. Why didn’t you tell me she was your girlfriend from high school?”

“I guess I panicked. I’m trying to start a life with you and I didn’t want to be reminded of who I was in high school.”

“Chloe thinks you’ll break my heart just like you broke hers.”

I thought Aaron might say something but he just exhaled. He seemed to be lost in thought for a moment.

Then he looked at me with the most pained expression I may have ever seen and said, “What if she’s right?”

I gulped. Was he admitting it was a possibility? That he really could break my heart? I shook my head.

“No, I know you wouldn’t hurt me.”

“How do you know that? I couldn’t bear to break your heart. It would kill me. Maybe you’re better off without me.”

“How can I be better off without you? I love you.”

His eyes locked with mine. “I know you love me but do you trust me? Do you completely and totally trust me?”

I hesitated. He was right. I still had a few nagging doubts about him. “I don’t know,” I finally admitted.

“And that’s my fault. I’ve given you reason not to trust me.” He sighed. “You deserve so much better than me, Rainy.”

“What are you saying?” I tried to hold back my tears.

“Maybe Chloe is right. Maybe I will break your heart. Maybe I should let you find someone with a good heart and soul. Not someone so broken and damaged.”

I shook my head. “But I want you.” I could feel the tears now welling up in the corners of my eyes.

“I want you, too, more than anything but I want you to be happy even more. I’m not sure I’ll be able to make you happy in the long run.”

I didn’t realize the extent of the unresolved feelings he had concerning Chloe and what he had done to her. I also didn’t realize the inner demons he was battling. I thought about what Dr. Griffin had said about him and his vulnerability. It wasn’t until this moment that I realized the full meaning of her words.

“I’m sorry, Rainy, but I need to go.”

Before I could stop him, Aaron turned and left.

I stood in the middle of the campus and cried. I felt empty and alone. Everything had felt so good and right between us when we were in Florida. It was one of the best times in my life. Now that we were back on campus, everything was a complete and total mess—again.

As I stood there bawling, I felt a hand on my shoulder. When I looked up, it was Josh.

“Is everything okay, Rainy?”

“No,” I managed to get out between sobs.

“Is there anything I can do?” There was obvious concern in his voice.

I started wailing again. Josh put his arm around my shoulder and led me back to my dorm. We both stood outside the front entrance.

“Is your roommate there?” Josh asked. “I’m not sure I should leave you alone.”

“I’ll…be…fine,” I got out between snivels.

Josh shook his head. “I don’t think so.”

Two girls were entering the dorm, so Josh grabbed my hand and pulled me into the dorm behind them.

“What room are you in?” Josh asked.

“212.”

He led me to the elevator and we rode it to the second floor then he led me to my room.

“Where’s your key?”

I removed my key from my back pack and opened my door. The room was empty. Olivia had been spending all of her time with Marney.

Josh sat me down on my bed then sat down next to me. He grabbed a tissues box from my desk and handed it to me. I grabbed one and blew my nose.

“I must look extremely attractive right now.”

Josh gave me a half smile. “You always look attractive, Rainy. Even when you’ve been crying.”

“Thank you for helping me back to my room.”

He nodded. “Does this have something to do with that guy from The Clubhouse?” he asked between clenched teeth.

I nodded.

“He’s not good enough for you, Rainy.”

I knew Josh was trying to make me feel better but it wasn’t helping.

“Do you want me to stay with you for a while?” he offered.

I nodded. I knew if Josh left now,