Page 87 of Sweet Hate

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Quickly assessing the distance to the nearest exit, like I would a burning building, I lean in to place a kiss on her forehead mumbling a goodbye and take advantage of her eyes closing tosurge up and run to the door.

Hell knows what she must be thinking of me.

T-minus sixteen hours and counting.

29

AXEL

Haven

You ran out of here like the roof was on fire. Was it something I said?

Me

No. I was just running late to meet the guys at Jett’s. Take it easy tonight, OK? Stay off that ankle as much as you can.

Haven

Oh no, whatever am I to do without my big strapping fireman to carry me around? How will I ever survive?

Iknow she’s messing with me right now, but she referred to me ashers. I love that.

I hope she does realize I’m hers. In every way I can be. Temporarily, obviously.

Ignoring the sharp pang that throbs in my chest, I really love the fact that she’s comfortable enough to text me again.

This is nice. I’ve missed it. I’ve missedher.

I like knowing she’s on the other end of the phone.

As someone surrounded by people at any given time, I wouldn’t say I’m lonely. But Idofeel alone. I always felt like maybe that was my choice, though.

A lone ranger.

I was the opposite growing up—the life and soul of the party. The one who knew everyone. I mean, that’s still partly true. I still know and talk to everyone around town, but I hung up my party hat a long time ago, choosing to exist on the periphery. Work is my only real priority. This is how I like it.

Me

Behave.

Haven

Have fun with the hot firemen. Say hi to them from me.

Me

…

Haven

…

I walk into Jett’s, pocketing my phone, a grin tugging at my lips—I don’t feel so alone right now.

Even without her agreeing to my incredibly stupid suggestion, knowing she’s just a call or text away could become dangerously addictive.

But I’m not sure I can bring myself to care. Clearly, I was an idiot to give her up the first time.

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