Page 3 of Monsters' Touch

Sure. Except for the existential dread eating me away as I realize I’m only a shell of a person doing everything she was told to do with no idea what I actually want, but other than that, sure, I’m great.

I don’t say any of that.

“I’m fine, Tad.”

His warm brown gaze scans me up and down, as if looking for outward signs of my distress. “Right. Well, considering we’re not together anymore, you might want to let your mother know that.”

“Feel free to do so yourself.”

Except he wouldn’t. Why would he when not doing so meant he still has an excuse to check on me? Still has a reason to bring up working things out.

“Aw, Lil, I don’t think that’s really my place. Do you?”

“Does it matter?”

Tad’s gaze never leaves mine as he scratches the stubble on his jaw. “Lil, what’s going on? You break up with me out of the clear blue without a reason, cut your mom off, and I heard from Sal in accounts payable that you’ve been late multiple times in the past few weeks. It’s all so unlike you.”

My heart races such a frantic beat I’m certain Tad could see it banging in my neck if only he looked.

If only he could see me, reallysee,that I don’t want any of this.

Why couldn’t he?

Why wouldn’t he just go? Disappear and never come back.

But how could I express that? How could I hurt him like that? It’s not like he was doing anything wrong.

Not really.

Tad’s warm eyes and nice smile sharpen, as if my vision is suddenly better than perfect.

A shadow of a smile curves the corners of my lips.

It’s happening.

Twice in one night is a new development, but I’ll take it if it means I don’t have to deal with Tad.

My heart rate slows, and as the heavy cloak of unease and anxiety falls away, I have, for the barest moment, sweet, merciful relief.

And then nothing.

“I’ll deal with my mother exactly when and I how I see fit. Now please go before I use your eyes as olives in the giant martini I’m about to make.”

The male backs away from us, eyes wide, scent growing acrid, disgusting.

“Uh, yeah. I’ll just get going then. See ya later.”

“Do not visit this domicile again.”

He jerks a nod and skitters away like the tiny crustacean of a man he is.

I blink, clearing the fog from my mind.

One moment Tad’s in my doorway wanting to know why I was acting so strange and the next he’s gone. The open door and the low rumble of his engine turning over the only signal that he’d even been here.

Nice.

Chapter2

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