Page 65 of Bossy Hero

Hates, I guess. It’s unlikely he’s changed his stance in the years since we divorced. If there’s one thing about him, it’s that he doesn’t know how to let things go.

Not sure why I’m thinking of him, though.

My date snaps his fingers at me, making me jerk my attention back to him.

“Did you hear me?” he asks.

He’s substantially less attractive when he’s snapping at me like I’m a dog.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I got lost in my thoughts. It was a long day.” Having finished my meal, I set down my fork and grab my wineglass. “What were you saying?”

He drops his gaze to my cleavage again. “What movie do you want to see?”

Oh shit. I forgot I was dumb enough to agree to not only dinner but a movie.

What’s larger than colossal? Enormous? Mammoth? That’s the level of mistake I’m up to now.

At least I’m only irritated and slightly disgusted on this date, unlike how I was the last time I sat at a table with a man. That was a few years ago in Maine. Despite wanting to run and hide in the restroom, I won’t do that tonight.

However, I do want to walk quickly away from him.

Sadly, I’m still not ready for dating. Exactly as I feared.

I throw back the rest of my wine and gather up my courage. “Would you mind terribly if we skipped the movie?”

“That’s no problem.” His grin grows when his eyes lock on my chest again. “Are you done with your meal?”

Really regretting the dress choice right about now. I should have worn the curtain.

“Yes.”

He waves at the server. “I’ll get the check.”

That was easier than I thought it would be. Guess he got the hint that I’m not feeling it. Excellent.

Ten minutes later, he walks me to my car. Chivalrous, although annoying, since I just want to be alone already.

“So I’ll follow you home then,” he says when I press the key fob to unlock my car door.

Uh-oh.

“That isn’t necessary. Thank you, but I don’t require an escort.”

His laugh sends chills down my spine. Not the good kind. “That’s cute, Madeline. I can’t wait to peel this dress off you.”

So it turns out it wasnoteasier than I thought. He didnotget the hint. And this is anything but excellent.

I take the last step toward my car, but he stops me from opening the door with his hand against the window. He moves in close.

Too close. And too fast.

Without warning, he backs me up against my car and cages me in. His eyes eat me up like I’m the dessert we declined in the restaurant.

No, no, no.

My windpipe tightens. I can’t act or evenreact.

I don’t want this, but my mouth won’t open to say that. I just stand there. Paralyzed. A hundred brutal memories crippling me.

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