Page 23 of Hard To Stay

“The same reason why you don’t want to talk about Colton.”

My frustration with his avoidance on this topic was getting the better of me. “Oh, no you don’t. You know the reason why I don’t want to talk about him. He represents a dark time in my life. That is completely different.”

He plowed his hands through his hair and looked away. “You don’t get it. You would give anything to never see him again. Where I would give up everything I own to have her back.”

A thick, heavy silence rolled through the room as I stared at the man who had come to mean so much to me. My stomach dropped as his words hit me like a brick to the head. He quickly started to back pedal. “Lexi, I’m so sorry. That’s not what I meant.”

His voice was strangled as he reached for my hand, but I yanked it away as if his touch burned my skin. “Don’t touch me.” I hissed out, stumbling back from him. The impact from his words hurt more than any physical pain ever could.

Brad’s face fell as a look of regret flashed across his eyes. “I’m leaving.” I shot my hand out when I felt him moving towards me. “Don’t you dare follow me.” I snapped defensively and turned on my heels and stormed off.

I shot Abby a text telling her I was leaving. Her reply was instant.

Abby: I’ll be right there

I typed back-

Me: Don’t worry about it, I’m good

My phone pinged.

Abby: You sure?

I replied-

Me: Absolutely! Have fun

“Where’s Morgan?” I looked up from my phone to meet Sawyer’s curious gaze.

“It was really great meeting you both.” I said, ignoring his question. “Maybe I’ll see you guys around sometime.” I turned to leave with every intention on putting this night behind me. I could not get out of there fast enough.

Gage grabbed my arm, stopping me from leaving. “Hey, you okay?” I tilted my head to look up at him and forced a smile. “I’m fine, I just have a headache and need to go home.” His eyes roamed over my face, clearly not convinced.

“Lexi!” Brad’s deep voice called from across the room, hitting me with a force that was physically painful. “You can’t leave by yourself. Let me take you home.”

My back was still facing him. I couldn’t turn around because I knew if I did I would crumble. For the first time since I’d met him I couldn’t stand to look at him. I just needed to get away from him.

I looked up at Gage again, desperate to get the hell away from Brad. “Would you mind taking me home?”

“Lexi,” Brad’s voice was desperate. It felt like I was being split in two. There was a part of me that wanted to turn around and give him the chance to make things right, but I knew my heart wasn’t strong enough to handle another blow.

I shut my eyes trying to block out the sound of his voice. I blinked again and looked up at Gage with pleading eyes. “Please,” I begged.

For the first time tonight, Gage looked uneasy. I saw him glance over my shoulder then shake his head. “Sure, lead the way,” he said then placed his drink down on the bar. He held out his hand and led us both to the door.

“Garrison.” Brad’s voice called out, causing us both to pause. “You walk her to her door and make sure she gets inside. You better not even think about walking past that door or I will beat your ass so bad your momma won’t even recognize you.”

Garrison must not have wanted to piss Brad off any more than he already had because he did exactly what Brad had instructed him to do. But not before he took an opportunity to ask me for my phone number when he dropped me off.

My body felt heavy as I forced it towards my bedroom. Pulling the covers back, I slipped my body inside the cool sheets and laid my head on the pillow. I stared up at the ceiling trying not to cry. Brad Morgan was more dangerous than Colton Hunt could ever be.

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