Page 53 of Reluctantly You

Nothing more than that. I’m just intrigued.

I finish up work and stay later than planned, wanting to leave from here to go to dinner with Rory and Shiloh. And becauseof Shiloh’s commitments at the junkyard and Rory’s school schedule, we’re eating late.

I’m mid-email when my office door opens and Mitchell strides through.

My eyes catch on his, and he glances away quickly.

“Just dropping this off. I’m coming in later tomorrow since I worked late tonight.”

“Is that so?” I say, leaning back in my chair and watching as he shifts before me. His cheeks are flushed and his hands are fisted near his sides.

“Yeah.”

“What are your plans tonight?” I ask, and his eyes flash to mine.

“Why do you need to know?”

I don’t. I don’t have any reason to know his business, but then again, a part of me wants to know. I want to knowmore.

“I don’tneedto know. I’m just asking.”

He huffs in annoyance, but doesn’t leave. Just peers around my office and then shoves his hands in his pockets.

“Like what you’ve done with the space.”

It’s such an odd comment that I just sit, confused for a moment.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. My dad’s room was so dark and overbearing… This is better. Lighter.”

“Your dad’s an asshole,” I murmur, and Mitchell gives a small nod in agreement.

“Anyway, I’m going to dinner with Shiloh and Rory.” His eyes flash to mine, and I add, “The guy I’m not fucking or dating.”

His eyes move to the opposite wall and his nostrils flare.

“Would you like to join?” I ask, not sure why I offered, but I’m not regretting it.

I want to see Mitchell outside of the gym and his house. I want to see him interact with others.

I want to observe him.

“Why the fuck would I want that?” he asks, his voice cutting.

I shrug, not sure myself. “Just extending the invite.”

“You feel sorry for me, is that it? You saw me at my worst and now think I need a babysitter?”

His tone grows cutting and my lips turn into a frown.

“I don’t think you need anything. You’re reading too much into this.”

His nostrils flare and I see him take a step closer to me. My heart ratchets up a notch at his proximity, and I do my best to not let it show. I won’t let him see me.

“Am I? Fucking calling me, coming over, inviting me to the gym, to dinner…you think you’re dating me now or some shit?”

He stops in front of my chair, and I stare up at him.

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