Page 20 of Unspoken Hearts
I nod slowly in response.
Blowing out a breath, his hand rakes through his dark hair. Strands fall over his forehead as he looks down the street.
“There’s none that are in my budget right now,” I continue, like it’ll make it better somehow.
The cracking in his features is what I’ve avoided seeing. The realisation that I’m in deeper waters than Reid could have imagined. That I can’t even afford a car for myself, but he doesn’t need to know why that is.
“Mae…” he lets out softly, full of concern. He’s the only one who calls me that. His own nickname for me that makes my chest soar whenever I hear it.
I won’t ever tell him that. It’s a secret I’m keeping to myself.
Swallowing, I just shrug, pushing away the emotions trying to crawl their way up to the surface. “I don’t need one. It’s not important.”
I go to unlock the door when his hand is on my arm. It’s big and clammy. My eyes flicker at our connection for a second before looking into his pleading eyes.
“Let me help you.”
Let me help you.
My head shakes, eyes focusing back on the door handle that blurs over with unshed tears. “Thank you, but it's okay,” I utter quietly, my breathing increasing as I squeeze out the burning memories of my parents.
“But I can—”
“I can deal with this myself, Reid.” My tone pitches as I jam the key into the door. Turning, his wide eyes stare down at me, towering over mysmaller frame as I blink away tears. His hand falls away, and my strong exterior starts to tremble.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap at you.” My heart sinks like a stone. “Thank you for offering, but I don’t—” I run my tongue over my bottom lip. “I won’t be able to repay—”
“You won’t owe me anything. I want to help you, Mae. I’d never ask you to repay me.” I can hear the emotion in his tone. The want in his words to help me.
My head shakes, a forced smile forming on my mouth as I push him away again. “I’ll be fine. But thank you for offering.”
Reid’s chin rises a little, jaw tightening, like he can tell that I’m lying. Pulse pounding, a rush of heat moves up my neck and cheeks, and his eyes fall down my face, settling on my mouth for a split second before flickering away.
“All right,” he lets out softly.
I hate pushing him away. He’s the nicest man, and I have loved him for so long, but I never want to drown in debt like my parents, or rely on others like Lucy did.
I want to be strong.
I hear Grayson’s ute coming down the street before it pulls up out the front of my place, music echoing down the road.
I look back up at Reid, who is watching me.
“Thank you for walking me home,” I murmur, not wanting to put this wall around me, but it’s what I’ve always done.
People have let me down.
My own parents didn’t want me, so am I really worth fussing over?
I don’t want to keep Reid at a distance, but Grayson is my best friend, and I have to honour that.
“You’re welcome,” he whispers under his breath. The downturn of his eyes hits me right in the heart.
He turns, walking towards the car. Closing the gate behind him, Reid gives me one last look, and I do think for a second that maybe I could take up his offer. It would be helpful having my own car, but I would have to pay him back. I don’t think I could take anything without repaying, because I don’t want to be likethem.
Straightfaced, Reid walks around the car, disappearing on the other side as Grayson waves at me from the driver’s seat.
I give him a small smile, and a soft sigh escapes me as I watch them drive towards Honey Haven.
