Page 58 of All I Ask
“I’m much faster than having to hope you have service.”
“If I remember correctly, you’re not very good in a fight. Gary—Gavin is a big guy, he could kick your ass and then take us both.”
Derek’s eyes fill with mischief as he smirks. “I work out now, I can handle Gary or Gavin or whatever his name is.”
I really want to kiss him—I mean kill him—and my daughter for her big mouth. She’s the one who pushed me to do this. Nina was of course no help. I know they love me and were trying to help, but this night is definitely not going as planned.
Being in a relationship isn’t that important to me.
Nina, however, disagreed with my priorities. She believes that the more I keep myself closed off, the more I’m holding on to the idea of being with Derek.
Sure, I love him. I always will.
But I don’t want him that way.
I’m pissed at him, in fact.
I’m going to have to give up all the resentment and pain, and I’m not sure I can. Trusting him cost me my heart once before. He has the power to hurt me deeper than anyone. While some may not understand my reluctance, I’m doing what I feel will protect me.
My head and my heart are at war. Both wanting different things, but not knowing if they can trust the other to make the right choice.
“While I appreciate the concern,” I say with my voice layered with sarcasm, “I will be fine without you here to ensure I don’t get murdered.”
I release a heavy sigh and look around. If this guy stands me up, it will be worse than getting murdered. Either way, I’m going to die of something.
“I’d rather not take the chance. Chastity needs you.”
“And I don’t need you.”
He laughs and raises his now-empty bottle toward the bartender, who bites her lip as she does a hip sway. Jesus, doesn’t anyone in this town remember how much they thought he was a dork and not worth their precious time? Now it’s like the second coming of Christ since he’s back.
Derek is so great.
Derek is a wonderful man, being a widower and all.
Oh, Derek, just…bless his broken heart.
I’d like to break something on him.
Instead of giving him the satisfaction of my would-be poor reaction, I open the stupid app again to see if my date messaged me.
Sure enough.
Hi Teagan, I’m really sorry but I can’t make it out there after all. I hope you forgive me but an issue came up at the office I can’t ignore. —Gavin
Unreal. I bet what came up is his wife found the dating app he thought he’d hidden. I’m so stupid. I knew this was a bad idea.
“What has you so sour?” he asks after the bartender gives him a beer. “Why aren’t you on pins and needles for this big date?”
I turn, my hand on the bar, gripping the edge. “Why are you here?”
“I told you.”
I don’t need him to swoop back into town to save me. I’m not a broken dove. I’ve done just freaking fine on my own the last thirteen years. He wasn’t concerned about my impending murder then.
“We’re not friends anymore, Derek. I don’t need you to protect me. I’ve managed on my own with guys that were probably ten times scarier than this dude.”
His body tenses enough to notice it. “I know we’re not friends anymore, Tea.”
