Page 94 of The Wrong Heart

Spinning away and marching to the driver’s side of my car, I hold a sob in the back of my throat like a burning ball of scorn. Parker reaches for me again, but this time I find the strength to yank my arm free, and I whip back around, hair flying with me. “Don’t. Justdon’t.”

He lets out a hard breath. “I’m no good at this shit, Melody.”

“Clearly.”

“What do you want from me?”

“Nothing,” I force out, even though I kind of want to scream,everything. Reining in my anger and confliction, I heave in a shaky breath and glance down at my sandals. “I’m going out tonight. With Shane.”

Silence permeates the turbulent wall between us, forcing my head up.

Parker just stares at me, that crease reappearing between his brows, his eyes flickering with wounded confusion. “What?”

My stomach sours.

Why is he looking at me like that?

Shane stopped by three days ago to check my pipes. He said it was standard procedure to make sure everything was still running smoothly, but I got the impression he was looking for an opportunity to see me again. It felt like he had checkedmeout more than the pipes.

Then when he asked me out for drinks, I faltered. My gut immediately declined his offer because I don’tfeelanything for Shane—no tingles, no flutters, no heart palpitations. I don’t envision the way his lips would feel pressed to mine, or daydream about his hands sliding over my curves, slick with rainwater, hungry and eager.

My body seems to want Parker andonlyParker.

But Parker is unattainable.

And, well… Shane is interested. He’s emotionally available. He appears to be reliable and stable. I’ve known him for a long time, and my brother vouches for him. Shane follows-up, and he says nice things, and hesmiles.

I think I need that. I need to feel like there is hope after Charlie.

While I wasn’t prepared to rush into anything intimate, I did agree to go out with him—as long as West and Leah could tag along.

A double-date of sorts. A group outing.

Something fun and carefree with no expectations.

Only… now I’m doubting my decision because Parker is staring at me like I just ripped the rug out from under him.

My bottom lip quivers slightly as I reply, “I’m going on a date.”

“Why?”

“Because he invited me out to Breaker’s tonight, and I said yes.” His frown deepens, so I continue. “You called me a nuisance. You said I drive you crazy. You didn’t text me back after we…” I trail off, swallowing hard. “You told me to stay away from you, so that’s what I’m trying to do.”

Parker deflates a little, his eyes dancing to the right as he processes my words. A few moments pass before he responds with a quick nod, taking a step back. “Yeah,” he mutters quietly. “Okay.”

He doesn’t look at me again. He keeps his focus elsewhere as he continues to pace backwards, fingers tightening into fists at his sides. I open my mouth to speak, but nothing comes out. Mostly because I don’t know what to say. I’m not sure how to react tohisreaction.

Parker doesn’t deny my claims or attempt to take them back.

He just walks away, allowing me to believe all the things I hoped he’d retract.

I didn’t mean that, Melody.

I take it all back.

Don’t go on that date.

Fairytales.

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