“I really should be going,” I mutter and reach for my knee brace. “I’ll just take a piss, put my brace back on and leave you gals alone to talk.”
Cassie nods, and Manon rolls her eyes, but leads the way to the dining table and they both sit there.
Okay.
Getting up is a bitch. Limping to gather my stuff has me clenching my jaw so hard it aches. But I finally have everything, including my walking stick, and take my sweet time in the bathroom changing clothes and putting on my brace.
I splash my face with water when I’m done, wiping off sweat, and stare at my reflection.
What are you doing, Seffers? Man, Cassie’s arrival sure was a wake-up call. Cuddling on the sofa with Manon. Holding her while she tells you her woes. Eating dinner together.
As if you belong together. As if you could.
Scrubbing a hand through my hair, I grab the borrowed clothes and turn to go. What I should have done last night.
Should never have come here. Touched her skin, smelled her scent, felt her body against mine. It was easier when she was uncharted territory, a distant dream.
Not sure how to put her out of my mind now. Not sure it’s possible.
I cross the living room as quickly as I can, my stick thumping on the carpet. Before I reach the table where they’re sitting in silence, I realize I should’ve folded the clothes, probably. Too late.
She takes them without a comment, gives me a strained smile.
“Thanks for helping me out last night, saving me from the downpour,” I tell her, completely ignoring Cassie the Bitch. “I won’t forget it.”
Won’t forget you. Wish I could.
“Don’t mention it.” She bunches up the clothes, presses them to her chest. “I should drive you back to your place.”
“Nah, I’ve got this. Seriously.” I grin, although I’m not feeling it. Don’t want to leave her. Christ. “I’m much better today.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah. I’m solid. Let you girls catch up.”
She gets up to let me out, and I linger for a second too long at the door. It’s as if there’s a threat wrapped around me, trying to keep me where she is.
Then I turn around and go, because that’s what I do when I want something. Because when I want something real bad, that’s when I know I can never have it.
Chapter Four
Manon
Closing the door behind Seth, I
turn back to Cassie. My steps are slow. It’s as if I’m reluctant to let him go.
Which makes sense. He’s hurt, and I’m partly to blame for it, and I’m letting him return home on his own. I hope he’s smart enough to get a cab and not walk.
He’s been taking care of himself all this time, I tell myself, taking my seat at the dining table. All his life. He wasn’t waiting for me to babysit him. He has his friends, his family.
Stop worrying.
Talk to Cassie.
Last thing I want to be doing right now. She’s right. I’ve been avoiding her since the fiasco at Asher’s wedding, when she threw herself at Jesse Lee and pissed off everyone.
Including myself.