Page 60 of Hothead

No. She couldn’t be. Right?

Oh how he hoped that wasn’t the case. It had only been six days. As soon as he’d pulled his head out of his ass, he’d gone about getting time off work before spending two days driving out there. He was trusting his gut. Trusting that she felt the same way about him as he did about her. She was just scared.

Scared, he could work with. He’d realized something this week. He and Bella were the same. So afraid their shitty childhood would catch up with them, they did the only thing they knew, they ran. Bella had made it further across the world, of course, but he’d definitely mastered the art of running without having to leave town.

Checking his watch again, he let out a sigh. It was ten. If she was out with friends, then it was possible she wouldn’t be back for a few more hours.

God-fucking-damnit.

Just as he was contemplating renting his own room, a car pulled up. A blue Prius. This was it. It was go time.

Straightening up, he took a deep breath and watched Bella climb out of the driver’s seat, shopping bag in hand. She was alone.Thank fuck.And she hadn’t noticed him just yet. Luke took a moment to appreciate those precious seconds as he drank her in. God, he’d missed her. When she left, she left him feeling empty. But now that she stood before him, he was beginning to feel whole again.

She’s turned you into a soppy bastard.

She had. And he was hoping his new soppy side would be enough to win her back.

“Luke.” Bella stopped mid-stride, her mouth actually dropping open at the sight of him.

“Bella,” he returned. Their gazes locking. “Hi.”

“Hi,” she mimicked, not looking impressed at all. “That’s all you have to say? What are you doing here? How did you find me?”

“Why’d you leave?” Desperation might have found its way into his voice.

“What are you doing here?” she asked again, ignoring his question.

“I’m here ’cause we’re not done. Wecan’tbe done.”

More head shakes. That wasn’t good.

His chest heaved and his palms began to sweat as he waited for Bella to reply. A reply that didn’t come as her gaze darted to the ground.

“Where were you tonight?” he asked, in the hope it would get her talking.

Her head whipped up at the question, silver narrowing on him. A look of pure defiance on her angelic face as she announced, “I was on a date.”

That was a shot straight to the heart. So powerful he stumbled back.

She was on a date?!

Luke’s eyes traveled down her outfit. She looked stunning. A short, pale blue dress that resembled a shirt. The first few buttons were open, showing off the top of her lacy black bra. He felt sick at the thought of her wearing that dress for another man. How could she have been on a date? It had been six days. Six fucking days.

He needed a minute. And he took it, turning his back to her and palming his face. But the long, slow exhales weren’t working. He was angry. And he couldn’t shake it.

Twisting back around, he let her see exactly what those words had done to him. “You went on a fucking date?”

“Yes, Luke.” She easily matched his volume. “I went on a fucking date. I’m sorry if that hurts your precious male ego, but that’s where I was.”

“You think that’s okay? Jesus, Bella, you were in my fucking bed six days ago.”

“Don’t give me that bullshit, Luke,” she snapped. “And don’t act like I’m betraying you either. You’re the one who doesn’t do relationships, remember? The only reason you were even with me in the first place was because I was leaving. And that’s what I did, like we planned.”Like we planned, my ass.“So don’t you dare stand there and act like the fucking victim.”

Next thing he knew, she was on the move, making a beeline for the door, being careful to circle around him. As soon as she was close enough, his hand shot out and went to her arm.

“Bella.” His voice may have gentled, but he was running on pure adrenaline. “Please. Stop. Just talk to me. Please.”

“There’s nothing to say.” Her misty eyes told him differently.

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