Page 27 of Two Minutes for Holding

She looked at me, worry clear in her eyes. Something had happened, and whatever it was, it hadn’t been good. I was sure it had to do with the money.

“I’m sure my brother has mentioned my lack of communication, and he more than likely thinks I spent his money on alcohol or drugs.”

“He mentioned something along those lines, yes.”

“That figures. He already thinks he knows. He never listens to me.”

“Do you blame him?” I asked.

Peyton looked up at me, her eyes lined with shock.

“Don’t look at me like that. I told you; I won’t sugarcoat shit.”

Her eyes locked with mine.

“Do you blame him?” I repeated.

She looked around the bar, looking everywhere but at me, and when she finally met my eyes, I could see they were glassy. “No, not really.”

“Why do you think that is?”

“My choices haven't been the greatest, I know that, and the lack of communication lately probably hasn’t helped.”

“That’s a start. Peyton, I’ll admit, I was shocked when you told me you weren’t done with Tor.”

“I am now. I see him for what he is. A cheater, a thief, a liar, an abuser, and I gave it a lot of thought. I don’t want that type of relationship anymore.”

“What changed your mind?”

She looked at me, sadness in her eyes. “That night with you,” she answered immediately. “I’ve replayed that entire night in my mind. I’ve never been with a man who blew my mind before. I’ve never been with someone I couldn’t stop thinking about, and I’ve never been with someone who could comfort me by just thinking about the time we spent together. That was what happened.”

I swallowed hard. That night hadn’t left my mind since it happened. She had literally been my highlight reel for the past few weeks. I hadn’t gone out. I hadn’t hung out after games aside from signing autographs, and I’d turned down many nights of company with some attractive woman, all because of that night. She hadn’t left my mind and was like an itch I couldn’t scratch, but now that she was sitting in front of me, she was all I wanted.

“So, what happened?”

“When I returned to the house, Tor showed up at the door. At first, I thought about not letting him in, but I changed my mind. I knew I needed to end things with him. So, I let him in. He found the money Knox had given to me to take care of things, and he took it. I tried to get it back from him, but he refused. That was when I ended things with him and kicked him out. Things got a little heated.”

“What do you mean, they got heated?” I questioned, feeling my muscles tighten. I swore, if he hit her, I’d drive down there tonight and put an end to him. “Did he put his…”

“No, he didn’t touch me. He probably would have, but he just raised his voice and tried to take control of things, but I wouldn’t let him. I stood up to him for the first time in my life.”

“No, you mean you stood up for yourself, there is a difference,” I said, watching her.

She nodded her head, meeting my eyes.

“You know, I think your brother would be proud of you.”

“You do?”

“I do. I am. You can do so much better, Peyton. You’re bright, beautiful…sexy as hell…”

"You think I’m beautiful?”

Her eyes meant mine, and I glanced away, downing the rest of the beer in the bottle. All I could think about when she looked at me was kissing those full lips agai,n and I knew if given the chance, I wouldn’t be able to say no.

“Yes, I do. I think you’re beautiful, and I also think it would be wise that we both say good night and go our separate ways,” I said, placing the bottle down on the table.

She slipped out of the booth at the same time as I did and led the way out of the bar to the elevator. Once inside, I pressed the button to the 12th floor and glanced at her.

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