I turn, giving him my back as I move to the refrigerator and pull out a bottle of water. “That’s what a stalker does.”
He bites his bottom lip, and I must remember I don’t like this man because he looks way too good doing that.
“We need to talk.”
“Talk! Ah-huh, since you broke in and all.” I smile. “Or leave! Yeah, that would be better, so I can change the locks.”
“You won’t be living here much longer, so changing the locks would be a waste of everyone’s time.”
While I digest his words, I stare at him blankly. “Where will I be living?” I ask, confused.
“With me, of course.” He says it so easily, so clearly, so precisely…
I want to run.
“Of course, what was I thinking. Do I get any sort of say in this?” I steady my breathing because, unfortunately, I already know the answer.
“I don’t believe you do.”
“Is that all you came to say?” I nod to the door. “Because you can show yourself out.”
“No. Actually, I came to tell you our date.”
“Date?” I huff. I am more than ready for him to get out of my space.
“Yes, of when we’re getting married.”
“I don’t care about dates. Just text it to me.”
“It’s next week,” he states nonchalantly.
I swear my soul has left my body.
It’s drifting somewhere in outer space.
My mind has gone with it.
I thought I would have time.
Maybe get myself out of it somehow.
Some way.
But now I see that’s not an option.
When I finally look up at Joey, he’s been watching me, assessing me, as he waits for me to finally speak and when I don’t, he says, “The bridal shop has my card. Go there and pick what you need.” He moves to walk past me, but I stop him with a hand to his chest.
That was a mistake.
I realize it the minute my hand touches him.
I pull it away quickly, bringing it back to my side.
His brow scrunches at the brief contact.
“I don’t need your money.”
“Why?” he asks.