Page 84 of You're All I Need

I’ve seen Adrienne twice this week, and both times I practically ran away. Of course, I took a few seconds to drink her in, recalling the curves of her body beneath the clothes she was wearing. It took every ounce of control I possessed not to grab on to her and kiss the hell out of her. And after that? Cart her off to the nearest bedroom. Or closet. Or bathroom. Wherever. I craved her like I’ve never needed a person before in my life, which is why I had to get away from her.

See? Asshole.

It’s now Friday. Friday. I haven’t talked to her all week. My lips long for hers, my hands itch to touch her skin. This is pure fucking torture, and I have no one to blame but myself.

The worst part is, she hasn’t reached out to me either. Yes, we need to have a conversation, but she knows. After seeing her for a few seconds on Monday morning, the look in her eyes on Thursday was one of understanding and forbearing. Our arrangement is over, even though neither of us has said the words.

So here I am, with my phone in my hand on Friday afternoon, staring down at her text message.

Adrienne:We need to talk.

I know we do, but I’m not ready. Why? Because I’m a coward. The thought of ending it with her leaves a bitter taste in my mouth and a sour burn in my gut, but it needs to be done.Then we can both move forward. Of course, the thought of hermoving onwith some other guy makes me want to kick a puppy. I never would, of course, but I can’t think straight when I picture her with someone else.

Fuck, why did I have to fall in love with her?

Me:Yeah.

The little bubbles appear instantly.

Adrienne:I’m off tonight. Can you come over? Or I can meet you at your place if you’d prefer.

I consider my options and decide meeting at her townhouse is best. This way, I control my ability to leave when it’s time. I’ve learned you never invite a woman over to your place if you’re going to end things with her. Too difficult to get her to leave.

Me:Your place. I’ll come over when I get done with work.

This way, I’m not freshly showered and less likely to act on the impulses and cravings I have when she’s near. I’m hot, a little sweaty, and dirty from crawling around in an attic all afternoon. The last thing I want to do is get naked right now, unless it’s to shower.

Adrienne: Sounds good. See you in a bit.

And that’s that. The plan is set. I’ll stop by on my way home, tell her it was fun but over, and walk away. Easy-peasy.

But my gut tells me it won’t be so easy at all. Not when I want her with every ounce of my being. And that’s the problem.She makes me want things I have no business wanting. A future. Happily ever after. A life greater than the one I’ve been living.

“You okay?”

I look up, finding Jack standing near his desk, a concerned look on his face. “Yep, great,” I reply, standing up and slipping my phone into my pocket. “Heading out.”

“Me too.” We walk to the door and step outside, making sure the door is secured before we go. “Hey, we may do pizza Sunday night if you’re not doing anything.”

“No plans,” I reply automatically.

“Really?” he asks, his eyebrows shooting heavenward. “Not hanging out with Adrienne?”

“No, that’s over.”

He seems surprised by the announcement. “Why?”

I shrug, glancing over to my truck and ready to get the hell out of here. “It’s time.”

He doesn’t say anything for several seconds. “That’s too bad.”

My irritation spikes. “It’s time,” I repeat, walking toward my work truck, trying to end the conversation.

“She was good for you, Caden,” Jack says before I can get my door open. “You were a different person when you two spent time together. Your smile was genuine, and you seemed…happy. I wish you’d see that not everyone is Dawn, especially Adrienne.”

Without saying a word, I climb into my truck, close the door, and start the engine. As I’m backing out of my parking spot, I notice he’s still standing there, watching me go. I keep my eyes focused ahead and drive away, the words he spoke following me with every inch of distance I put between us.

I drive a little too quickly, but I can’t get rid of the dread riding shotgun. The quicker I get this over with, the faster I’ll be back to normal. You know, living the single life, sleeping with women who want the same things as me.

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