Page 91 of Unleashed

“No,” I said, shaking my head. “You didn’t force me. That would be sexual harassment.”

“Yes, it would.” His voice softened, though the tension remained. “We’ve had this discussion.”

“I’m not calling it that, you are,” I shot back.

His eyes narrowed. “No, you’re making it sound like I pushed you into bed. That makes me sound like a piece of shit. I can’t keep this casual anymore, and I’m too far gone to pretend otherwise.”

I stumbled back, finding the chair behind me and collapsing into it. “What do you mean, too far gone?”

Michael exhaled slowly, running a hand through his perfectly styled hair. “I’ve been in denial. I’ve tried to push how I feel deep down, but it’s no use. I can’t stop thinking about you.”

I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly dry. “Just your head?”

“No,” he said, voice rough. “My heart. That one red rose I sent... that was me trying to show you.”

“Jesus, Michael,” I whispered, shaking my head. “How can you lay all this on me?”

“It wasn’t a secret.” His eyes softened, pleading now. “The question is, how could I not? Whatever commitment issues you have, you need to get over them. Because I won’t let you go.”

“I’m not yours to let go,” I muttered, rubbing my temples.

His gaze darkened. “Who was he?”

“Huh?”

“The man,” he bit out, jaw tightening. “Your guest last night. Is that why you don’t want me?”

“Oh, Michael,” I sighed, leaning back. “I wish it were that simple. He’s just a friend.”

“I smelled his cologne on you yesterday.” His voice was taut with jealousy. “It filled me with rage. I wanted to go upstairs and rip him apart.”

“He’s only a friend,” I repeated, more firmly this time.

His expression shifted. “Then come away with me this weekend. I’ll take you to my place in Maine.”

I shook my head. “I have plans for the 4th. You should’ve asked sooner.”

“I didn’t know how you felt,” he said quietly, regret in his tone. “I was... wounded.”

“You’re not a deer caught in a trap, Michael. Stop being so melodramatic.”

“My heart is wounded,” he shot back, his stare so sad, so vulnerable. It made my own heart twist with guilt.

I didn’t know what to say and I was wracked with guilt. I caused this and now I was in deep, not wanting to let either man go.

“Maybe we can talk when I get back,” I offered weakly.

He scoffed, pushing out of his chair. “You expect me to let this fester for three days?”

“You have no choice,” I said, standing up, though my legs felt weak. “I have plans, and they don’t include you. Next time, talk to me instead of shutting me out.”

I turned, grabbing the door handle and flicking the lock open.

“Do I have a chance?” His voice stopped me in my tracks.

I froze. “A chance for what?”

“Is your heart claimed?” he asked, his voice softer now, tinged with something raw.

---