Page 74 of The Dixon Rule

“Fine. I’ll leave—if you agree to talk to me after your shift.” Fortitude hardens his eyes. “I’ll meet you outside?”

I release an internal scream. Oh my God. I’ve had guys become obsessed with me in the past but never to this extent. I don’t know what to do about it. Is this stalking? I don’t think it qualifies as that yet, but this is the second time he’s shown up unannounced.

It’s making me uncomfortable, and I don’t like this feeling. The uneasiness, the lack of control. I’m usually an expert at handling tough situations. I always have been. My dad says it’s his favorite thing about me. Aside from fixing a shower, if there’s a situation that needs fixing, you go to Diana Dixon. If you need someone to defend you, to tell someone else off, to throw down, you go to Diana Dixon.

I thought I drew a hard line with Percy last weekend, but evidently, I wasn’t harsh enough. And that’s the only reason I agree to meet him after my shift. It’s time to lay down the law.

Percy waits on the sidewalk when I exit the diner thirty minutes later. His cheeks hold a slight flush, and when he greets me, I catch a whiff of alcohol on his breath.

“Have you been drinking?” I ask warily.

“I grabbed a beer at Malone’s while I was waiting for you. But don’t worry, I’m fine to drive. I’ll give you a lift home. We can talk in the car.”

“No. I want to walk.”

A frown creases his brow. “I’m not drunk.”

“I didn’t think you were. I’d just rather walk.” The last thing I want right now is to be trapped in a car with Percy.

“Okay, then. Let’s walk.”

My chest is so tight, I can feel my ribs trying to poke through the skin.

Ten more minutes of my life, I assure myself, as we head off down the sidewalk. I can suck it up for ten more minutes.

“I have something important to say,” he starts, his tone ringing earnestly. “I take full responsibility for the breakdown of our relationship, Diana. I’ve had months to reflect on my actions, but it wasn’t until our last fight, when you pointed out my insecurities, that I was finally able to examine the entire situation from your point of view. And it finally sunk in. How much I would hate it if you were accusing me of hooking up with other women—”

“Percy,” I cut in. He’s wasting his breath here.

“And you’re right, the accusations were uncalled for. That’s something I’m going to have to work on. And I have been working on it—”

“Percy,” I interrupt again.

“All I’m asking you for is a chance. Let me prove to you that I’m still the witty, nerdy grad student you met at the Coffee Hut who couldn’t tell the difference between a push and pull door.”

I manage a weak laugh. “I know you’re that guy.”

“Then give me a chance to prove it.”

We’re not far from Meadow Hill now, and I count the steps longingly. Percy believes he stands a chance of convincing me, but I have no interest in getting back together with him. I want this entire ordeal to be over. I’ve never had such a needy, insecure boyfriend. And truthfully, I’ve gotten the ick.

“I’ll be honest, Diana. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever been with, and that intimidates me. It’s difficult when your girlfriend looks like you, you know?”

Two more minutes.

I try to quicken my stride, but I’m short and can’t move that fast.

“So try to see it from my point of view? It’s hard knowing that you get attention and that other men are leering at you. Because, come on, we know what they’re thinking. They’re all picturing you naked.”

“Who cares what they’re thinking?” I say in aggravation. “Just because they might be picturing me naked doesn’t mean I’m going to sleep with them. You must have a really low opinion of me if you think I can’t walk ten feet without spreading my legs open for someone. Like, this is ridiculous. It’s insulting.”

“That’s not what I’m saying at all.” He adjusts his pace to match my fast strides, groaning with frustration. There’s a note of anger there too, which I don’t like.

“Percy, I understand what you’re saying.” Actually, I don’t at all, but whatever. Let’s humor him. “But I’m not interested in getting back together.”

“Even if I’m working on my issues?”

“Even then.”

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