Page 65 of Outspoken

I blow air from my nose, shaking my head at the grass.Why would he tell them my favorite color?It’s kind of cute, but I’ve clearly been on his mind too much.

“I didn’t mean to play games,” he continues. “I was acting stupid. You're important to me and I know I come on strong, so I was trying to be more laid back and casual. I want to change. I want you to feel comfortable when we're together. Paige told me—”

“Paige?” I yell, staggering back.What?My whole fucking world is now in ruin. Who the fuckisn’ttalking about me behind my back? I spin, rushing to my car. “I can’t hear anymore. This is a mess. I’m done.”

He follows but keeps his distance, silently watching me open the car door.

Before I get in, I make fists with my hands and face him. He looks like he's struggling between being stoic and falling to his knees to beg. I have the feeling this isn't the first time he's been in this situation—pissing off a woman he's infatuated with.

“You shouldn’t try to force love,” I say. “And you can’t go overboard for a woman when you barely have history together. What have I actually done to make you like me?”

“Easy. I like your sense of humor and your determination. How you speak up and care for your friends, and how you always show appreciation.”

“No. What have Idone? For you, specifically. Something to earn all of this affection.”

He works his jaw a moment and then says with conviction, “You told my brother you think Brody is lucky to have me as a friend. It feels like you see me. And you met my family with warmth and humbleness. You were gracious when you left even though you’re hurt. How you treat my family means a lot to me.”

I look away, not expecting he'd have an answer. “That…that all happened today, but you claim you’ve liked me for a while. Besides, anyone would do that.”

His face is serious when he says, “No. They wouldn’t.”

Instead of letting myself feel something from that statement, I get in my car and start the engine. He watches with hopeless, shadowed eyes. I pull into the street and drive away without looking back. Forcing my mind to remain blank, I make it home safely. Then I collapse into sobs behind my bedroom door, wanting to be any other version of myself except this one: hurt and alone.

Chapter Seventeen

Miguel

SIX YEARS AGO

“WHEN YOU OFFERED TO TAKE me out,” I tell my buddy Dustin, “I wasn’t expectingthis.” I squint out the passenger-side window of his truck at the flashing pink neon strip club sign. “It does say steaks are nine-ninety-five. Sweet deal.”

Dustin smacks my arm, laughing. “You want some nine-ninety-five steaks, bro?”

“I mean…yeah. But not like this.” I half-smile at him as he opens his door.

“We’re not staying,” he says. “Just a quick stop so you can meet someone. Come on.”

I adjust my black leather jacket—the one Mom made me in high school because she’s a damn skilled seamstress. I keep a dumb smile on my face as I hop out of the truck and follow Dustin to the entrance.

Inwardly, I’m cringing. I know what Dustin is doing because he’s been doing it since I moved back a month ago. I've known him since sophomore year, and he always gets straight to business when something is up. He'll give you the brutal truth, even if you don't want it.

I respect that about him—doesn't mean my pride is any less sore. I know he's trying to help, but still…

We wait by the entrance until a very ripped dude exits. I’ve seen a lot of buff guys at the gym, but this one is unmatched. He’s a giant in a black tank top.

He notices Dustin and then half-hugs him with a grin. He turns his steely blue eyes to me and gives me a head nod.

“Hey,” he says.

“Hey,” I say back. “Do you compete?”

“Yeah. Hoping for nationals this year.” He sizes me up. “You?”

I laugh. I love building my physique, but I'd never have the mental focus for competitions. “Naw. Too much family drama.”

“I can relate.” The corner of his mouth twitches—looks like I hit a touchy subject. But he seems cool, though a bit guarded.

“Sorry, man, what’s your name?” I ask.

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