Page 52 of Beyond the Hate

Damn it. He’s pushing me into a corner. I don’t want to tell him why I’m not interested in a relationship but I have no choice. I recognize a man who won’t give up.

“There’s more to the story.”

“Of course, there is. My Paisley is complicated.” He grasps my hand and leads me to the sofa.

“I’m not your Paisley.”

“Not yet.” He winks. “First, I have to dispel whatever bullshit is up here.” He taps my temple.

“It’s not bullshit.”

“Prove it.”

“I will.”

He motions for me to proceed. “I’m listening.”

“I had a serious relationship in college with Ryan.”

He growls and I glare. “Sorry. I’ll be quiet.”

“I thought we would get married. But he dumped me senior year.”

He squeezes my thigh. “I’m sorry. Getting your heart broken is no fun. But it’s no reason to hide away and never get involved in a relationship again.”

“There’s more.” I inhale a deep breath before confessing the rest of the story. “He got engaged to Darcy the next week. They’re married now and have two children.”

He growls. “Darcy? Your stepsister?” I nod. “Your stepsister was fooling around with your boyfriend?”

“He visited me during the summer break and met Darcy. Apparently, they fell in love at first sight.”

“Ryan should have broken up with you then. Not continued to lead you on.”

I swallow. “He should have. But being cheated on isn’t the worst of the story.”

He blows out a breath. “I’m afraid to ask.”

“Then, don’t ask.” I try to stand but he squeezes my hip to stop me.

“What is the worst part of the story, Lace?”

“He’s also part of the whole let’s make fun of Paisley thing my family does.”

“Asshole,” he mutters.

“I overheard him telling Darcy he was never attracted to me. He could never be attracted to a woman who wears glasses.”

“You should probably stop eavesdropping on people.”

I slap his shoulder. “I can’t help it if I always happen to be in the right place at the right time.”

“I’d argue you are in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

“Of course, you would. You love to argue.”

“Only with you, Lace. Only with you.”

“You argue with your brothers all the time.”

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