Page 19 of A Pretty Fixation

“Not at all. I’ve had three girlfriends, and Itreated them good.”

The thought of him dating irritates me. Itshouldn’t.

I can’t stand these weird emotions.

“You still dumped them,” I grumble. “So you gotwhat you wanted anyway. You don’t strike me as a virgin.”

Caleb’s quiet for a moment, then says, “They brokeup with me because I wouldn’t stop searching for you.”

That makes me shudder.

I combat the feeling, telling him, “I’m not Dove.I’mJordyn.”

“You’re the same person,” he retorts. “I’m goingto make sure every guy on campus stays the hell away from you.”

I cringe. “You don’t have the right. We’re nottogether.”

“You gave me the right eight years ago. It’s stillin effect.”

The intensity is so strong that I shift in the seatand grip my tote tightly. “You’re crazy. The poor girl is probably hiding fromyou.”

That results in a low chuckle. “You told me youliked my crazy. Said we’d be crazy together. And you weren’t hiding; you justforgot.”

“Christ. You have a fixation on a girl who isn’tme.” I huff. “Haven’t you considered that you’re wrong?”

“I’m not wrong.” He stops at traffic lights andlooks over. “You don’t understand, but you will. You’re all I’ve ever wanted.You gave me so much at a time when I felt like I had nothing. You’re my hope.You’llalwaysbe that for me.”

They say the heart can be foolish, which explainswhy his words make mine sprint.

I’ve read romance books with characters likeCaleb, and as toxic as it is, I used to want a guy to desire me in such an extremeway.

With him, it’s like I’ve longed to meansomething—to be the sole aim of his attention.

“It’s not me,” I mutter, struggling to stay tough.

Caleb groans. “I’m positive you are. I feel it inmy heart.”

It’s aching everywhere, especially between mythighs. God. I must be incredibly horny.

Someone honks, and that startles me back toreality. The lights have changed to green.

Caleb throws a dirty look behind him before hecontinues driving.

I do a doubletake when he passes the exit thatleads to the campus. “Where are you going? Rather, where are you taking me?”

“Nowhere in particular. I want to talk to you.”

“I’m tired from moving so much at the bistro. Iwant to relax.”

“Which is why we’re just driving around,” he saysslickly.

“You—” I clamp my mouth, unable to come up with aresponse.

Caleb chuckles. “Why are you fighting me so hard?What are you afraid of, Dove?” That name agitates me to the core.

“Do not call me—”

“Right. Sorry. Jordyn. It’s Jordyn now.”

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