Page 37 of Let Me Love You
“Yes, we are. Why does it matter to you?” Todd stood and crossed his arms over his chest in that way men do when they believe they’re being challenged.
Why did men get so barbaric? What would he do? Fight?
Stacey rose. Ren was drunk and clearly trying to ruffle Todd’s feathers, which was working. He stepped closer, straightening his posture, which broadened his shoulders.
“Don’t, Ren.” She held up her hand.
Todd shifted and tensed, pulling her closer with an arm around her waist.
A growl ripped from Ren. His hands balled up at his sides. He wasn’t a fighter. She knew this, but his demeanor and the look in his eyes tested that belief.
“Don’t what? Don’t ask you about your date?” His gaze shifted from her to Todd. He scoffed and rolled his eyes.
“Do you have a problem?” Todd asked.
“I do. You’ve got your arm aroundmygirl and it’s pissing me off.” If looks could kill, Todd would have fallen over dead.
“Yourgirl?” Todd glanced at Stacey, eyes questioning. The terminology had caught her off guard as well. Even though she knew he wanted to be with her, he’d never referred to her in the possessive sense. It warmed her insides being claimed as his. Made her dizzy and giddy and all of those girly feelings one has when in love. “We’re on a date. You must be confused.”
Ren shook his head. “Nah. I’m not confused.”
“Ren, you’re drunk.” She’d never seen him act this way. She’d seen him drunk. On more than one occasion, she’d been the person he’d contacted to pick him and his buddies up from a party or club, not wanting to drive home under the influence or worry his parents. But she’d never seen him so angry, so ready for a fight.
“Not drunk enough.” His voice wavered, and his words broke her. He was hurt. She knew that. He wasn’t used to rejection. God, why should he be? He was fantastic. Fantastic to look at, fantastic in bed. And had a big heart. She hated being the one to break it.
She leaned close to Todd so he could hear her over the noise. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.” He squeezed her, and Ren rumbled. She could all but see the angry vibrations radiating off him.
“Are you sure?” Concerned etched his features. “We could leave.”
“I’m sure. I’ll just be a few minutes.” She broke away from his hold and stepped toward Ren. “Can we talk in private?”
She walked toward the doorway leading to a sandy area outside. Though she couldn’t hear him following, she felt him—his towering presence, the heat he emanated.
Darkness enveloped her as she stepped outside. The moon hung low in the sky, not offering much light and neither did the sole string of twinkle lights hanging overhead. Potted palm trees lined the private area where they stood eyeing each other.
“I’m sorry.” The lump in her throat made her sound like a frog. She leaned her back against the rickety tin building and huffed out a breath. The salty air singed her nostrils and the humidity combined with her nerves dampened her skin.
“For what?” He stood a few feet in front of her, his eyes stormy with raw emotion. He scrubbed a hand through his short hair in frustration before balling both hands into fists again.
“I didn’t know you’d be here.”
“You’re sorry you didn’t know I’d be here,” he spit out and shook his head, clenching his hands repeatedly. “If you’d known I’d come to Mahuffer’s, you wouldn’t have come here with yourdate?” He said the word “date” with such aversion, and narrowed his eyes.
She shivered. In all the years she’d known him, he’d never been angry with her. She didn’t like the feeling of being on the receiving end of his hostility.
“Of course not. I would never try to antagonize or upset you.” She folded her hands in front of her trying to keep from reaching out to comfort him. His mix of anger and hurt were too much. She didn’t like seeing him this way, particularly knowing she caused it. “I care about you, Ren. I’d never hurt you on purpose.”
He sniggered. “Oh, so you care about me, but not enough to stop shattering my heart?” Animosity dripped from his words like honey from an overstuffed beehive.
“Don’t be dramatic. I’ve seen the girls come to your parents’ house. God only knows who’s been at your new place.” The bubbly blonde came back to mind. Jealousy, once again, twisted her gut. “I’ve seen you greet them with big hugs or hop in the car with them. I’ve never made a scene. It’s your life to live.”
“Jaime is a family friend. Not someone I’m dating. And Carla’s had a thing for me for years, but it’s not reciprocated. I don’t give a fuck about other girls.” He stepped closer, resting his forearm above her head and caging her against the building. “I only want one. You.”
“It won’t work.” Frustration and desire bubbled through her causing her breath to shorten and her nipples to bud in acknowledgement of his proximity. His beachy scent swathed her like a blanket, warming her from head to toe.
“I told you I wasn’t giving up. I promised you time and I’m doing the best I can.” His eyes filled with tears. His bottom lip trembled much like his voice.
She wanted to pull his bottom lip between her teeth and ease his sadness, but that would only lead to another round of being screwed senseless against the wall of Mahuffer’s while her date waited patiently inside, then back to reality and the inevitableness of their situation. She shook her head, trying desperately to keep her wits about her.
