Page 120 of Drive
“I’m fighting for you, Stella,” he said, taking a step forward. “I keep waiting for you to end it with this guy. You tell me he’s a good man, fine. I say I can be the better man. I’m putting my hat in the ring.Right. Fucking. Now.”
“You’re insane,” I said, gesturing for him to open the door. He crossed his arms, refusing to budge.
I took a steadying breath. “I have to go.”
“I’m right. You’re punishing me. You’ve been punishing me. And won’t even give me the time of day.”
“I’ve been living my life. You’ve been busy yourself.”
“And you never answered a single phone call.”
“You’ve called once a year,” I said accusingly.
“On our birthday. It was a good excuse.”
“For what?” I snapped.
“To show you I was still waiting!”
“Oh, this is ridiculous.”
“No, what’s ridiculous is you won’t even listen to what I have to say. You refuse to try to see how hard I’ve fucking worked to get straight. I went to counseling. I kept my promise to you, and I’ve sat back and respected your wishes when it comes to him, but no more. You belong with me.”
I guffawed. “Practicing abstinence, too, Crowne?”
“Fuck no,” he said. “But say the word, Stella, and I’m yours, and you’re mine, and we end this fucking charade.”
“My life isnota charade.”
“Where ishewhen it’s important, like tonight?”
“Don’t you dare judge him, ever. He’s the best man I know. And who in hell are you to talk? When it’simportant? Are youserious? He’s been there for the last three years. Where were you?”
“In here,” he said, pressing his fingers to my temple before placing his burning hand to my chest, “and in here.” His palm seared me. “And working my ass off to get to this moment. To this. Right now.”
“I lovehim.”
“You love me, too, and I’ve been robbed long enough.”
“Oh? Have you now? You’re finally ready for Stella?” I scoffed. “Ship has sailed, Reid. Get out of my way.”
In a flash, I was pinned to the door, his hands holding my wrists, his eyes unforgiving. “I love you.”
“No.” It was a throaty whisper.
“I love you. And I miss you, Stella. And that’s not going to change.”
“Stop it,” I said, fighting his hold on my wrists.
“I miss hearing your dreams when you wake up. I miss spending nights just talking in our bed. Simple shit I would never take for granted again, as long as I got to do it with you. You’re all I think about. I haven’t slept a full night since you left my bed. Everything I’ve done since the minute I left Austin has been about getting back to you a better man. A man more capable of giving you what you deserve. I’m there. I’ve been there for a while, and it’s time you knew. And today and every day after is about getting you back. I can’t do this anymore. I can’t wait anymore. I don’t want to, Stella. It’s our time.”
I bit my trembling lips.
“Stella, you haven’t forgotten. I see everything by just looking at you.”
“I’m with Nate.”
“Be with me,” he pressed. “You got me off my knees, Stella. Living with you, even in that shitty apartment, was the best time of my life. I don’t want to sleep another night without you.”
