Page 18 of Reclaiming Love

“Mel,” he said, moving towards her. A line creased as his eyebrows drew closer together. “You wanted it too. Don’t say you didn’t.” He reached out and put his hand to her face, but she backed away.

“No means no.”

He looked at her, totally shocked. “You think I’d have forced myself on you?”

“You did force yourself.”

“We were fooling around.”

“You were fooling around. I told you to stop.”

“But you’re always a bit cold in the beginning, until I get your juices going.” The smile that snaked across his face filled her with disgust.

“You’re sick.”

“No, baby, that’s how you are—until you get all hot and wet and then you get so—”

Footsteps sounded immediately outside her door. “Mel?”

“Just a minute.”

He put his shoes back on and gave her a remorseful look. “I can’t believe you thought I’d do anything to hurt you.”

She had her hand on the door knob. “I think it’s better you leave.”

“Don’t worry, I’m going.” He slanted her a puzzled look as he passed her by. She followed after him into the hallway.

“Mel?” Heather stepped out from the kitchen, her eyes trained on Matt, whom she regarded with a steely look. Her puzzled face met Melissa’s gaze as if to ask what-the-hell-is-he-doing-here?

“I’m leaving,” he remarked casually as he grabbed his coat.

Heather disappeared into the living room while Melissa walked to the door. Making sure he left.

As he stepped out he turned and looked at her. “We were just fooling around, you know that. Come on, Mel. I don’t want you to think I’m capable of doing stuff like that.”

She had no words for him, and she didn’t yet want to think about what might have happened if Heather hadn’t returned.

“Go.”

He tried to reach out to her face but she ducked out of the way. “I’d never hurt you.”

You already did.

“Just go.” Her voice was monotone, her insides a shattered mess.

“I’ll see you tomorrow?” For a moment she thought she heard the faint cry of desperation in his parting words, and she let that desperation fester. Without saying a word, she shut the door.

And wondered what to tell Heather.

---