Page 48 of Reconcile

The rest of the date is mostly just getting-to-know-you questions and small talk, but it’s nice. No history. No past heartbreak. No secrets.

When he walks me to my car to say goodnight, I feel him watching my mouth as I talk. I can feel the desire there.

But I think it’s one-sided. Because when I look at his mouth, I think about Sawyer’s full lips that draw my own toward them. I think about the take-charge way he kisses that somehow makes me feel cherished even if I know it’s a lie.

“Well, this was fun. Thank you for dinne—” And now Caleb’s lips are on mine.

No. This doesn’t feel right.

My hands move to his firm chest, and I push him back, separating our mouths. “Ummm...”

“What’s the matter, Piper? We’ve been flirting for a year now.”

“Nothing’s wrong.”Except you aren’t Sawyer. There’s no history there. No familiar feeling at all. Shit. Damn it, Sawyer.“But I should get home.”

He doesn’t back away though. Instead, his arm curls around my waist, tugging my unwilling body toward his. “I think you should come home with me instead.”

My heart is pounding so fast I can feel it in my ears. “I don’t think so.” I try to push him away again, but he doesn’t budge.Not good. “Let me go.”

“Why are you acting like this? We had a good time.”

“We did until you started getting aggressive.” I shove a little harder, gaining some distance from his body. “No means no.”

He actually rolls his eyes at me. “Of course, you have to be dramatic.”

I unlock my car and push away from him. “Don’t call me.”

“Will you wait a minute, Piper?”

“No.” I open my door and climb inside, automatically locking the doors. His hands bang on my car window, sending a jolt of panic through me. I start my car and start to reverse. He looks angry but steps out of the way, and then I see him climb into his car as I exit the parking lot.

I feel sick and unsure about what just happened.

Maybe I overreacted.

His car is behind mine, and my hands are trembling as I cling to the steering wheel.It’s okay. I’m going to be okay. I’m safe in my car.

I turn left.

So does he.

Okay, I’m freaking out. I go toward the highway, and so does he.

I decide to call Sawyer through my car’s Bluetooth. At the very least, he can distract me while I make my way home.

He answers quickly, “We’re fine, Pipes.”

“Sawyer.” My voice is strained, and his mood changes instantly from teasing to concerned.

“What’s wrong?”

“I...” What is wrong? I mean, what can I say? That my date kissed me, and now I’m freaking out because he’s on the same highway? “I’m...”

“Piper? What’s the matter?”

“Nothing. I just...” I sigh, “My date’s over.”

“Okay?” he asks as a question like“Why the hell are you calling to tell me that?”

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