Chapter 24
Summer
* * *
“What’s wrong?” Alex asked.
I looked back to him and pressed my lips together tight, holding in the anger.
What the hell was Tom doing here?
“Summer.” Alex shook my arm. “Who is that?”
“Tom.” I sighed.
“Fuck, what the hell?” Anger immediately replaced the tranquil look Alex sported only seconds ago.
It seemed fitting that the minute I started to appreciate what I had with Alex that tom would come and ruin it. Like a reminder that of what could happen to me when I opened my heart.
Alex looked from me to him and his face softened a little. “I’m going to beat the shit out of him.”
“No.” I clutched on to his arm to stop him from going. “I’ll go talk to him.”
Worry washed over his face. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
“I should. I should talk to him. Just go home and wait for me.”
“I should wait here.”
“No. I’ll come up when I’m finished.” I got off his lap.
He glared at Tom with burning, reproachful eyes and stood too, expression clouded with anger.
“Call me if he tries anything. I mean it, Summer. Call me.”
I nodded wanting to get this over with as quick as possible. I couldn’t believe the nerve Tom had showing up here.
I turned to walk away but Alex caught my arm. “Summer…”
I gazed at him waiting for him to speak but he just looked at me. All his feelings reflecting in the tenderness of his eyes.
It was everything.
I knew that Alex and I hadn’t labelled ourselves as a couple, but I felt everything I thought I’d ever wanted when I was with him. Right from that first night.
“I’ll be okay.” I assured him.
He nodded and I continued walking, heading to the wall across the street where Tom stood.
He straightened when he saw me and had the nerve to smile.
He looked the same, which was ordinary. Nothing striking about him, but had that quirky way about him that I used to like.
I couldn’t believe I’d allowed this man to put me through so much.
“What are you doing here?” I didn’t give him a chance to speak first with any pleasantries. He didn’t deserve it.
“Looking for you.”