He nodded. “All right. Hit me with it.”
“What you’ve given me is more generous than anything I figured you’d come back with. I thought maybe you’d pick up the phone and tell me it was over. Or come back and get your things before going home.”
“I’m not going to lie, I debated it.”
“I’m sure you did. And you had every right to. I want you to know that I’m thankful you chose to stay.”
“Actually, I’m not sure if I’m staying still.”
I blinked. “What?”
He sighed. “It’s obvious you don’t want me here.”
“That’s not true.”
“It is. Even if you don’t want to admit it, it’s--”
“It’s not true!”
“Rae, take a breath. I’m not accusing you of anything, nor am I upset.”
I drew in a deep breath. “I’m still upset. And despite what Michael and Allison have to say, I have a right to be upset.”
He nodded. “Yes, you do. Wait, what have they told you?”
I shook my head. “Let’s just say they’ve really let me know how much of a shithead I should still feel like.”
“What did they say to you?”
He took a step toward me as my back fell against the door.
“Don’t be mad at them. Please. There’s been enough anger.”
He approached me. “I’m not upset with them. But if they hurt you--”
“They didn’t hurt me. Just told me some hard truths I needed to hear.”
His body heat pulsed against me. “Like what?”
I swallowed hard. “Like… stuff. And, uh, things.”
“You might have to be a bit more specific about that.”
“Then you’re going to need to back up.”
“Do you want me to?”
My gaze slid up his body. As my palms pressed into the door, I felt my heart come alive. That black pit in my chest quickly filled with something akin to fire and my spine sizzled with a need for him. A need for this boy standing in front of me.
No, not boy.
Man.
“Rae?”
I swallowed hard. “Yeah?”
“What do you want?”