Page 262 of New York Love Stories: Vol. 1

His words smack me, a low blow not to only my heart but also what I thought was changing between us. Causing me to shift in the truth of the discomfort he mentioned, I say, “If that doesn’t say it all, I don’t know what will.” I grab the knob of the door, ready to slam it but stay long enough to say, “Guess I should have seen this ending coming. Nothing changes with you.”

“You’re right, princess. I’m as steady, loyal, and reliable as they come. Not something you’re used to.”

I try to crush the metal knob in my hand, but when it doesn’t give, I take a deep breath and shield my heart under a coat of mental armor. “You can see yourself out, and by the way, as a real estate agent in New York, it’s four million in this market.” I shut the door, locking it behind me.Screw him!

And to think I let him have sex with me without a condom.Ugh.I slam my fists against the door and slide my back down it until my ass hits the marble floor.

I let him get too close. That was my mistake. Now I’m stuck here waiting for him to leave. I don’t know how long I wait, but I keep pressing my ear to the door, hoping to get some indication of when he’s gone. The last thing I want to do is walk out to find him still here. I don’t need his negativity in my life. I don’t need anything.

Or anyone.

I especially don’t need Harrison Decker, which is a shame because he was slowly becoming one of my favorite things. But just like everyone else, he chose to walk away. He chose to leave after I begged him last night to stay.

He might be right when it comes to me getting my way, but he’s also wrong when it comes to my life.

I’m used to many things, and one of those things I’m most used to is being alone.

So much for steady, loyal, and reliable.

12

Harrison

“Tell her to come over here.”I overhear Nick tell Natalie in hushed tones. On the stairs, their voices travel, reaching my ears.

Natalie huffs. “It’s not that simple. I know her better than anyone. She’ll put on a brave face and pretend it doesn’t matter in front of you. But I know she’s hurting inside.”

I lean against the wall, not sure what to think or how to feel. I know they’re talking about Tatum but have no idea what’s going on. One of those is a lie I tell myself. I know exactly how I feel. I’m still reeling from that fight that came out of nowhere.

We were good.

We were fucking great.

Then she had to light a match and set us on fire again. After I got back from Tatum’s, I went for a run on the treadmill in the basement to burn through the restless energy I had coursing through me. It’s not the same as running oceanside, but it got the job done. Until now.

I stop and listen, though I know better than to eavesdrop. There’s just a niggling suspicion inside my chest that something might be seriously wrong.

Nick says, “She doesn’t have to be guarded with me. I’ve been around long enough to know the truth. And I’ll leave you guys alone. She’s always welcome here no matter what happens.”

“I appreciate that. It’s just always been her and me against the world and . . . well, then came you and now comes a baby. She’s not showing it, but I can tell she’s now struggling to find her place. That’s why I asked her to be a godparent. I want her to know she’ll always be a part of our lives.”

“Honey, you can be there for her, but if she doesn’t want your help?—”

“She does. But if I’m not there, it just proves her point. She’s used to being left alone to deal with things on her own. If I were in her shoes, I’d be wondering if I have a place as well. I don’t want her to wonder. I want her to know she has us.”

“I’m happy to go with you,” he says.

“No, it’s fine.”

Pushing off the wall, I come around the corner. They’re quick to step apart like they’ve been busted by their parents. “At ease, soldiers.”

Natalie hangs on Nick’s arm. “We weren’t doing anything sexual.”

Grabbing her, Nick pulls her to his side. “Yet anyway.”

She shoves him playfully. “No, don’t trap me. I need to go.”

I stand on the other side of the island and press my palms to the cold stone. “I overheard you talking about Tatum. What’s going on?”

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