Page 7 of I'm Not in Love (I Promise)

“Nothing bad.” He brushes his palm down his cheek. “Just, you know…I highly doubt you’re already dating.”

“Because I’m so heartbroken, right? Or is it because no one would want me?” Heat creeps up my neck, spreading to my face. “Is that it?”

“Baby… I?—”

I put my hands up to silence him. “Stop. I’m not your baby, Ethan.”

“I’m sorry. Can we please just talk? You deserve an explanation.” His shoulders slump and he stares at me with his dumb blue eyes that have always been my Achilles heel. “Please?”

“Fine.” I pretend to check a notification on my phone. He doesn’t need to know my calendar is pathetically empty of anything other than reminders of assignments and tests. “I’ll give you a few minutes.”

He beams and slings his arm over my shoulder. The scent of his cologne is overpowering. I used to love how he smelled but now it only adds to my headache. “You’re the best, baby.”

“Ethan,” I warn.

“Sorry, no more baby. It’s a habit, I guess.” He chuckles and squeezes my shoulder. “I’ll drive.”

I want to get him out of my personal space bubble. To take his hand off me and tell him where to shove it. I’m not sure why I don’t. Maybe it’s his familiarity hitting me? Or the fact that I feel empty inside and human touch is human touch?

With him holding me tight enough that I have a hard time walking, we reach his brand new Mercedes. A birthday gift from his parents. He opens the door and deposits me inside like he thinks I’ll flee.

As he slides into the driver’s seat, messing with the stereo and AC, I glance out the window at the glossy black muscle car still idling a few spaces away. Despite the tinted windows, I swear a pair of dark eyes track our every move as we pull away.

CHAPTER FOUR

DAMON

Everything about Blake’sbody language tells me she doesn’t want to be near that prick. It takes everything in me to keep from ripping his arms from his body for touching her.

They drive a few miles from campus to a sushi place in town. Lucky for me, the hostess sits them in front of the window overlooking the street. My body aches and I need a smoke, so I hop out and lean against my car, being careful to stay out of her eyeline.

She noticed my car earlier. Stared at it with longing in her eyes. It’s only a matter of time before she realizes my car is everywhere she goes. I know I’m fucked up, but I hope she does soon.

My heart races wondering how she’ll react. Will she be afraid or intrigued? Will she confront me or avoid me?

People walk along the street, engrossed in conversation. Couples holding hands. Mothers tugging children along. Busy suits on their lunch breaks. I take a moment to admire the trees lining the street with their yellow and gold leaves while breathing in the crisp fall air.

It’s been too long since Jas and I went hiking. It’s always been our thing—get up before dawn and hike the toughest trails in town. We never talk much, just walk in companionable silence, taking in the sights and clearing our heads. Hiking is the only time Jasper doesn’t talk nonstop. Leon and I joke that he’s like a golden retriever on speed… We have to tire him out to get him to shut up.

We haven’t hiked since Bailey was taken. Every minute has been filled with finding her. Well, almost.

I stub out my butt and walk it to the nearest trash can, getting a glimpse of Blake’s profile. She’s chewing her lower lip, focusing on the menu in front of her instead of the asshole who won’t stop shooting his mouth off. The sunlight hits her dark hair, bringing out its indigo luster. My chest hurts from how perfect she is. So fucking beautiful. Even when she’s clearly uncomfortable.

Fuck it. I guess I’m getting sushi for lunch.

I walk inside, never taking my eyes off Blake. Now that I’m within earshot of her, my pulse calms. The hostess directs me to a table across the room but still close enough to watch them.

I order an iced tea and take out my phone, pretending to idly scroll as I listen.

A different server stops at their table holding a large platter of sushi and a bowl of rice. She places it down and Blake looks it over, rolling her lip between her teeth.

“Dig in, baby,” the douche she referred to as Ethan says. He grabs some chopsticks and rubs them together obnoxiously.

Blake reaches for the bowl. “I’ll just have some rice.”

I shield my face with my hand to get a better look.

“But I ordered all these rolls. Is this about that comment I made a while back? I was drunk, I didn’t mean it. You’re not fat.”

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