Page 20 of An Uphill Battle

“Whatchareading?”

“Nothing you’d careabout.”

“C’mon now, you don’t know that. Try me,” I tell her, lowering myself onto the cushion next toher.

“Fine, I’m reading a book calledBoomerangers.”

“Boom-a-what?” I ask, causing her to let loose peals of laughter, and it’s fucking music to myears.

“It’s a rom-com about a single mom with a foul-mouthed toddler and her high schoolsweetheart—”

“Swear to God, you’re speaking another language.” Azalea shoves my shoulder before resting her head on it and sniffing dramatically. “Are you smellingme?”

“Yes, and you stink. Go shower, and I’ll make us something toeat.”

“Sounds good, and maybe after, we can watch amovie—”

“Did you just ask me to Netflix andchill?”

I stand from the couch and quirk a brow at her. “I don’t have a clue what that means. Be back soon, fresh andclean.”

I race through my shower, not wanting to miss a moment with her, because Lord knows, they’re fleeting. So, it’s just the basics, and I’m dressed and crowding her into the kitchencounter.

“Whatcha makin’?” I whisper in her ear, causing a full-bodyshiver.

“Nothing fancy, just some shells andcheese—”

“With hotdogs,” I finish for her. “Damn, I love yo–that.” I cringe at my almost-admission, praying she missed it, but judging by the way her entire body just tightened, I’m guessing she didn’t.Dammit.

Without even looking at me, she uses her shoulder to push me back and ducks out from between me and the cabinets. “Why don’t you grab us something to drink, and I’ll meet you at the table?” I can hear the strain in her voice, like she’s trying to choke back her tears, and I hate it. I hate that I’m the cause, and I hate the thought that my loving her could cause her so much distress. Guess that just reaffirms what I alreadyknew.

She may want my body, but she doesn’t want my heart. Luckily, I’m no quitter. I’ll keep trying, even if it kills me, because you don’t let a woman like Azalea Barnes walk away without one hell of afight.

AZALEA

I keep my eyes trained on the task at hand—spooning a generous portion of my shells and cheese into our bowls. I can feel his eyes on me, but I refuse to look athim.

I can’t.The way he so easily tosses around the “L” word, like it’s nothing, like it has no meaning. The way he’s so oblivious to my feelings, but then again, I guess that’s my fault. It’s not like I talk about them.Ever.

No way. I keep that shit locked down tight, or so I tell myself. Myla Rose and the girls say I wear them on my sleeve and that everyone except Drake and me can see how perfect we’d be, but what do theyknow?

I mean, sure, Myla Rose found herhappily ever after, but Seraphine and Magnolia are as single as can be, so...whatever.

“Little Bit,” Drake calls after me as I head into the dining room, where I throw our bowls onto the table before hurling myself into a chair. “Bit, c’mon, talk to me. What’swrong?”

I cut my eyes to him, my anger and hurt blanketing the room. “Eat before your food getscold.”

“You really gonna act likethis?”

“Act like what?” I know I’m being bitchy, but I can’t helpit.

“Azalea, for real. I don’t know what’s got you so pissy, but let’s talk this shit out. I was lookin’ forward to a nice day with you, so...please?”

Drake shoots me his best puppy-dog eyes, and I can feel my icy resolve softening. I can never stay mad at him, especially when he’s so damn clueless as to what hedid.

“Yeah, sure, D. Let’s eat, and then we can watch amovie.”

“I didn’t say let’s sweep shit under the rug. I said let’stalk.”

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