Page 29 of A Pretty Fixation

I smirk. “That I am. But clearly, you like it.”

“I don’t,” she weakly counters, lifting her handsto tuck her hair behind her ear while batting her lashes—lousy liar.

“What did you talk about?” I demand. “I heard youwere at the student lounge withAaron.”

“Mind your business.” She pushes at my chest, andsomething about the action makes me groan.

“Keep doing that, baby, and I’ll take my dick outand shoot my cum all over you.”

She gasps. “Pervert.” But I notice the hesitationbefore she drops her hands from my chest.

“The conversation,” I demand again. “What was itabout?”

“I’m going out with Aaron,” she blurts, a deviouslook in her brown eyes. “Saturday. He asked, and I said yes.” She watches formy reaction, moistening her lips. I want to run my tongue over them, nip andsuck, and devour that mouth, especially for trying to make me jealous.

Her intention is as clear as glass.

I tighten my jaw, damn near growling in her face,“You’re not going on a fucking date with another guy.”

Jordyn raises her chin boldly. “Yes, I am. Aaron’sa nice guy. I’m going out with him.”

“You...” I rumble and shift in the spot. “You’redoing every fucking thing to push me away when you don’t really want to. I cansee it in your eyes that you don’t want to.”

She folds her arms tightly. “I don’t know what youthink you see, Caleb. But you’re wrong.” She stares at my chest as she adds, “Iwant nothing to do with you, whether I am Dove or not. The past is the past fora reason, and you need to let it go.”

Her words sting. Dove would never hurt me.

This version seems to enjoy my torment.

“You mean that? Does my presence bother you thatmuch?” I watch for the truth as I add, “Do you truly want me to leave youalone, Jordyn?”

She takes a breath, eyes darting away. “It’sbetter if you did. You make me anxious. Every time you’re near, I’m afraid thewalls will crumble, and I’ll experience total agony. I don’t want to be inpain, and that’s what you’ll do to me.”

The thought of her in pain causes an ache in mychest. But I’m convinced she doesn’t mean any of that, not when she’s evadingmy eyes.

“All right,” I rasp. “As you wish.”

Jordyn snaps her head to me, surprise in herblared open eyes.

Backing up from her, I shove my hands into mypockets and walk away.

She utters a soft sound at my back as if wantingto stop me.

I smirk. It’s working.

I’ll let her think I’m giving up just so her desirefor the chase grows. Let’s see how long she can stand it before she breaks.

I feel stupid.

The words I’d spoken were the opposite of true,and I regretted them the instant they left my mouth.

I didn’t think Caleb would just walk away. I mean,I pushed him, but I expected he’d come back harder.

Now I’m all bothered that he hasn’t shown meattention in two days.

Fuck. What’s wrong with me?

I should be happy he’s finally staying away. Yet Ifeel so frustrated.

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