Page 91 of Every Broken Promise
“Friends outgrow each other,” I said softly.
He shook his head.
“I’d be lying if I said I wanted our friendship to go back to the way it was before, but I don’t want your friendship, Astrid… I want more… I want it all.”
I opened my mouth, but no words came out. He was saying everything I had once longed to hear, and now that I had his cards on the table, I didn’t know what to do with mine.
The only thing that came to mind was the bitter years I pined over him as his loyal best friend while I watched him date other girls, but there was already enough damage we had endured—shots I’ve taken and unknowing jabs he took—that I didn’t want to keep the pain going.
“I don’t regret it,” I finally said, and I could see how my words relieved him.
“Yeah?” His voice took a husky tone that had my lower belly quivering.
“Yeah.” I managed to give him a small smile, and his eyes automatically went to my mouth.
The air got tense, and I knew if I let it, this moment would take a turn. I wouldn’t say for the worst because I would be open to the idea of sleeping with him again—maybe. But it was a turn I didn’t want to take in public.
So, I got out of my stool, evading him, and headed toward Rachel. Mostly because I needed some space before I let Tyler fuck me again, and the other part was that I was nosey. Even while talking to Rachel and her ex-husband, I could feel Tyler’s gaze on mine, which made it hard to concentrate.
“Well, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going home. I expect to see you at breakfast.”
I could have walked out and left it at that since I still had my purse with me. As I walked back to the counter, Tyler’s gaze did not leave mine at all. I felt like he was biding his time, letting me play things my way until he snapped.
Was it wrong I wanted that to happen? Although I shouldn’t because if I did that, then I would tell myself the decision was out of my hands. Ty was right, I needed to stop running away from my problems.
Lucky for me, Zeke chose that moment to come back out.
“I’m heading out. I need to go talk to Lupe,” I told him, even though I was sure he didn’t care.
I started to pull my wallet out so I could pay, but Tyler cut me off.
“It’s okay, I got it,” Ty told Zeke.
“Well, I’m going to head out.” Even though my eyes were on Zeke’s, my words were meant for Ty.
“I’m heading out too. I need to get back to work,” Ty told Zeke.
I walked out, aware Tyler was right on my heels.
Did he drive here with Adam? I had only seen Adam’s car out front. Unless Ty parked in the back? Should I offer him a ride to the auto shop? It would be cruel to make him walk in this heat, right?
Before I could push the door open, Tyler did it for me. As he did this, he pressed his body against mine, causing a shiver to go down my spine. His hand rested above my hip, pushing me forward.
Someone was coming toward the door when we got out. My eyes clashed with silver eyes I remembered all too well. I froze, and if it wasn’t for Tyler being right behind me, I might not have moved out of the way at all.
Collin Rivers stood right in front of me. He was the reason I had been an outcast. Instead of thanking me, he blamed me likeeveryone else. He had outgrown his lankiness and embraced his unique style.
“Astrid.” He composed himself much quicker than I did.
Tyler cursed behind me.
“Collin,” I managed to bite out. “I’ll get out of your way. I wouldn’t want to be a meddlesome bitch.”
He flinched.
“Could we talk?” he asked.
“I have to go,” I said as I began to walk away.
