Page 93 of Break My Heart
On my way to the orchard, I try to figure out why she did it. Why would Gina get involved with me while she’s dating another guy? Was she just getting close to me to get me to tell her stuff about the brewery? To get me to trust her so I’d let my guard down?
She calls again as I’m driving. When I arrive at my parents’ house, I check my phone before going inside. Gina left me several texts.
Sawyer, I swear to you, I’m not dating Ryder,the first text reads.
It’s followed by,Would you please talk to me?
And then,He just showed up. I didn’t know he’d be here.
Her last text reads,I don’t want to lose you. Please talk to me.
If she doesn’t want to lose me, then why is she spending time with another guy? And if she didn’t know he’d be there, why didn’t she tell him to leave? She could’ve told him to go when I showed up, but she didn’t. I left and he stayed. If she really didn’t want him there, why didn’t she tell him to go? And if they’re no longer dating, why was she letting him touch her? When I walked in, he was standing close and holding her arm. It looked like he was about to lean down and kiss her.
‘Fuck,’ I mutter, tossing the phone on the seat. I was really falling for her. I could see us together in the future, getting a placetogether here in Haydon Falls. I saw us going to family dinners and spending holidays together.
What the hell was I thinking? Why did I let my mind go there? Why did I even start dating her? I knew how competitive she was and how much she loves winning. I should’ve known she was only pursuing me to convince me she wasn’t a threat. Keep your enemies close. It’s why I asked her out in the first place, but then I fell for her, like a fucking idiot. And this whole time, she’s been the one keeping her enemy close.
Picking up my phone, I text her back.I need time.
Hopefully that short message will be enough for her to stop calling and texting me.
‘You coming?’ Jason asks, knocking on my window.
He just pulled up in his truck. My brothers all have pickups. I’m the only one with a car. Sometimes I feel like the odd one in the family. I like fancy cars, expensive clothes, designer sunglasses, leather shoes. My brothers don’t care about any of that. My dad doesn’t either. They’re good just throwing on an old flannel shirt and some jeans and driving around in their pickup.
I open the door and get out. ‘I was just checking messages. Is everyone else here?’
‘Looks like it,’ he says, noticing the trucks parked in the driveway.
‘How’s your job going?’ I ask as we walk to the house. ‘You got any troublemakers this year?’
‘Always do. There’s this kid who reminds me of you, always whispering to girls, sending them notes. And he’s all worried about looking good, getting dressed up and shit, just like you used to do.’ He looks me up and down and laughs. ‘You haven’t changed.’
‘What?’ I look at my jeans and black sweater and the leather jacket that cost more than Jason would spend on his entire wardrobe. ‘This isn’t dressed up.’
‘How much that sweater cost you?’
‘Who the hell cares? I liked it, so I bought it.’
‘It’s going to get ruined working outside all day.’
‘I’m not hauling pumpkins today. I told Dad I’d help out inside.’
That’s not the only reason I wore this sweater. I wore it because I knew Gina would like it. It’s tight and shows off my chest muscles, which she loves. When I got dressed this morning I assumed she’d be here today, but I doubt she’ll show up, knowing how angry I am.
‘There you two are,’ Mom says as Jason and I go into the kitchen. ‘I was starting to wonder if you were going to show up.’
‘Sorry we’re late,’ Jason says. ‘I was grading papers and lost track of time.’ He steals a piece of bacon from the platter and stuffs it in his mouth.
‘Jason Lucas Kanfield!’ Mom huffs, putting her hands on her hips. ‘What have I said about taking food from the serving dish?’
He shrugs. ‘Sorry.’
She picks up the platter and takes it to the dining room.
‘You know you’re in trouble when she uses your whole name,’ I say, smiling at Jason.
‘She’ll get over it.’
