Page 118 of Introvert

"If you want to tell me."

Felix swallowed then said, "I'm scared I'll end up like him."

"Felix, you could never be like that," I said.

"But he's my dad. Itmight be in the genes."

"I don't think being an ass is hereditary."

Felix laughed softly, and it made my heart feel lighter.

"You could never be like him," I repeated.

"You're too good for me," he said.

"Yeah, right."

"I mean it."

There was an odd note in his voice."Felix?"

He shook his head. "Listen, I want to be honest with you.About where my head's at and my heart."

"Okay," I said.

"I meant what I told you. I do like you, Aurora.I've never likedanyone more—which makes the word 'like' feel inadequate."

I held my breath.

It felt like he was going to say he loved me.

I thought he might…

…but I was so very, very wrong.

"I wanted to give this a real shot, to go all in with you," he said.

My throat felt suddenlytight. Idefinitely caught the past tense there, didn't want to ask yet forced the word past my lips.

"But?" I said.

"But I'm not sure we should do this anymore."

"And by this, you mean…?"

"Us," he said softly. "I think we shouldgive each other some space."

It felt like someone drove a bulldozer through my chest. That was howunexpectedly devastating the moment was.

"Like I said, I don't trust myself. There's a reason I don't do girlfriends. What if I am like my dad?"

"You're not," I said.

"What if I hurt you without even meaning to?"

"You wouldn't."

"You deserve better."

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