Page 68 of Mr. Red

“Why are you so upset? Because I ruined your ‘swimsuit?’” I curl my fingers in air quotes, because anyone callingthata suit is delusional. “I’ll buy you anew one. I’ll make sure itactuallycovers you.”

“You’re trying to control me, Matt! It’s not about the suit. It’s youtellingme what I can or can’t wear. I was only planning on wearing the stupid suit for you until you told me what to do. Who the fuck do you think you are? You should trust me! I’ve been trusting you! God knows why. We aren’t even official. We’re seeing where this goes, as you stated.”

I keep staring at her with my nostrils flaring. I bite down on my teeth, making my jaw clench, to try to keep it together. I wouldn’t be surprised if steam is coming out of my nose. I’m not sure what to say, but I can’t think of anyone else being with her.

“Okay, I get it. I went too far. I like it when you’reonlymine,” I explain.

“I’m not yours. We’re just dating. You wanted to see if we were compatible first.” She shrugs. “Ask me instead of demanding things next time.”

I don’t like what she said at all. She should be mine. I want her to be mine.

“You like when I’m demanding,” I tease.

“In the bedroom.” She rolls her eyes. “I’m going to get some clothes on. Wouldn’t want a non-existent boater to see me naked.”

She walks away leaving me gawking after her. I need to make sure she knows she belongs to me.

Chapter 36

Scarlett

Two hours later and we’re still sailing. I wanted to jump ship the moment Matt over-reacted about the swimsuit. Instead, I’m here—floating on a boat with him. I hope I gave him a dose of reality. He can’t controleverything.

I’m at the front of the boat, giving Matt some space. He has chosen to stay up on the top deck, steering. The water slaps against the sides of the boat as I think this through.

Matt seems conflicted, so now it’s awkward staying with him. Maybe I should go talk to him and ask him to take me to the closest city so I can head back home. I think we’re both confused with how our relationship is going. I know I like Matt a lot. The sex was different today. He doesn’t talk a lot, so I’m thinking heshowshis feelings. Going slow and looking at me like he would never let me go is different from the rough, take-charge man I know in the bedroom.

I also know I want a commitment from him. He’s not ready to be committed; maybe he never was. He might feel something between us, but it doesn’t mean he’ll stay with me. I can’t continue with him. I’ve already put my heart in danger.

This is so stupid. I’m stupid for thinking we could ever have a future. It’s just about sex to him. I need to keep the fact clear in my mind.

“Miss Scarlett.”

My stomach drops at his greeting. I stay facing the open horizon. I keep my head held high, ready to break it off with him.

Time to let go of him, Scarlett.

I don’t know why I ever agreed to be casual with him. Dating someone sounded good, but I shouldn’t have had sex with him if I wanted to keep things casual. I need promise, security, and commitment from my partner. I have to be honest about that. I’m not like Paige; I can’t be casual, no matter how hard I want to try.

Tears cloud my eyesight. I blink and then turn around to him. The light from the sun highlights the different shades of brown in his hair, making it look golden brown. His clothes are back in place, but he left his shirt mostly unbuttoned, revealing his sculpted chest and abs. It’s not fair how attracted I am to him. It makes saying goodbye hard.

“Hey, Matt. I don’t know the rest of your plan, but maybe you should let me off. I can find my way home,” I say, wringing my fingers in front of my stomach. He seems alarmed and clenches his fists.

“What? No! I’m not dropping you off so you can leave.”

“You’re planning on going back to Texas, Matt. I don’t know if we’re on the same page there. Might as well cut the ties now,” I say, trying to act detached. “This trip is bringing us closer, which isn’t the best idea when we know you’re going to have to go back to your own life. I can see how a committed relationship would be too hard. I don’t think I’d ever want to leave my little town. It’s okay.”

“Scarlett, I don’t want you to leave. Please stay with me.” He grabs my hands in his, staring into my eyes.

Why is he making this so hard?

All I want to do is just stay in his arms. Ishould be mad at him. I should be trying to get far away from him. Someone trying to control everything in your life is more than enough reason to get out of the relationship. I know it doesn’t come from a malicious place, it’s just his way to feel secure. I don’t think he learned a proper way to express his feelings. He certainly doesn’t talk about them. It makes me want to stay and see what else he’ll show me about him, but I can’t.

“We had a little argument. It doesn’t mean you need to jump off a boat. I want to stay with you. It’s why I came down to talk to you.”

“I can’t continue whatever this is between us. I know when you go, you’re going to leave me with a broken heart.”

“I don’t want to be with anyone else. I want to be with you. I want to see where else this goes.”

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