Page 50 of Only Everything
“Listen, you’ve been through enough. How about you slow it down, and we’ll leave it with a warning. I’ll follow you into town and make sure you make it there alright. You seem pretty upset.”
“That would be great, thank you. I promise to pay more attention next time. It’s just been a rough few weeks.”
“I understand.” Again, he gave a soft smile. “You’ve been through a lot. Things will start looking up.” He handed me back over my license and registration, pausing. “Where are you headed?”
I shrugged. “Honestly, nowhere. I got in an argument with my… brother. I had to get away. I don’t know where I’m going.”
Brother? My stomach was rolling. This wasn’t right. He wasn’t my brother.He wasn’t.Where was my power?
He glanced at his watch. “Joe’s has some prettygood lunch specials. I was about to head there myself. I wouldn’t mind the company.”
My mouth opened, only to close. Was he asking me on a date?
I shifted in my seat.
“I’m sorry. I…I really need to go back and fix this. The way I left—I was angry. I overreacted.”
“Say no more. Family is important.”
“… Yes. I’m sorry again for speeding. I promise to slow down. I’m headed home now. Thank you for offering to follow me into town. Have a nice lunch.”
“Thanks. Joe’s makes everything better.” He paused, looking around the gravel road before he twisted his lips. “I know you’re going through a tough time right now, but if you need anyone to talk to—” he reached down, pulling out a small notepad and pen, writing down his information and handing it over. “You can call anytime. My name is Steve. I’m a good listener. No strings attached. Just talking.”
“That’s very nice of you. Thank you.”
I took the paper, swallowing hard as he gave a wave and began heading back to his car. I put it in my purse and pulled up my sedan, using the wide road to turn around. When I came even with him, he already had the window rolled down. It had me slowing as I stopped.
“I hope you call, Tauren. Not all cops are assholes. You don’t have to be afraid of me. I’m a nice guy, I promise.”
“Thank you, again. I really appreciate it, but to be honest, I can’t.”
“I understand. I’m here if you change your mind.”
I nodded, easing forward, and stopping at the stopsign. The sickness grew. At me, and at this cop just trying to be nice but show his interest. At Reid andBrittany… At my name so clearly cut into his arm.
Fuck. How had my life come to this? Why was everything so messed up? I knew what I needed to do, but stepping into that role wasn’t going to be easy. I had to be direct. I… God…Could I do this?
More flashes of Reid. Of his arm. Why the hell did that turn me on?He cut my name into him.And I liked it.
Sick.
Sick.
We were both fucking mental, but at least I could fix it. I could try to make this right.
At the clear road, I headed back towards Reid’s house. Maybe he hadn’t left. Maybe I could convince him to stay and talk this out.
I loved him.
Hell, I more than loved him, and I was hurting him. A deep sigh left me, and the miles blurred. Love and morality battled. The weak part of me kept trying to push through and offer excuses. Ones, I no longer bought into. Things were not the same as when I’d first moved to his cabin. I wasn’t the same. Now, there was no escaping the love and responsibility that came with the truth. Reid couldn’t keep getting his emotions beat down by me. He was right. I was the one love bombing him; I was the one who had initiated and started this, and he didn’t deserve my instability. Not anymore.
Our road appeared, and I turned, going down the long drive. A frown tugged down the corners of my lips as I spotted his truck was already gone.
Dammit.
I grabbed my purse, pulling it along as I got out and headed for the door. The leather bounced from my calf as I swung my arms loosely. Anger blossomed with jealousy. My past rolled through, sweeping me under with a tidal wave of guilt and self-hate.
I was rot.
