Page 19 of Crazy Obsession
Chapter Nine
The Reckless Reputation
Adam
The thing about Severn is, you can’t sneeze without three people knowing what color your damn tissue was.So of course, within twenty-four hours of leaving Lenor’s place, the whispers start.
I hear it at the gas station first, two women in line muttering about how “poor Lenor Daniels is falling for another mistake.”At Blake’s that night, a couple of guys at the pool table crack jokes about me “finally wearing her down.”
It’s all sharp edges and poison, and every word makes me want to break something.But what really guts me is seeing the way it hits her.
She walks into the bar Monday afternoon, her head held high, and a tray of muffins for Mercy in her hands.But her smile is brittle.Her eyes don’t meet mine, or anyone else’s for that matter.And when Mrs.Carter whispers too loudly about “another Blake boy ruining a nice girl,” Lenor flinches like she’s been struck.
That’s when it clicks for me.This isn’t about me proving to the town that I’m more than reckless Adam Blake.It’s about proving it to her.Because she’s been burned before.Because Jacob made her look like a fool in front of everyone, and the pity nearly drowned her.Because every set of eyes on her right now feels like a reminder that she doesn’t get to choose right.That she will always be the girl who picks wrong.And I can’t let her believe that.Not when I know she’s the only right thing I’ve ever wanted.
“Afternoon, Lennie.”I say, joining her at the bar where she waits for Mercy.
She stiffens at the nickname, glancing over her shoulder to where I’m leaning against the bar.She looks exhausted, like she hasn’t slept.Still beautiful, though, with her messy bun, pretty purple floral dress, and freckles scattered across her nose.
She shoves the tray at Mercy and turns to leave without a word but I block her path.
“Move,” she snaps.
“Not until you look at me.”
Her eyes finally lift, blazing.“Are you happy now?”she asks, anger tainting each word.“You’re getting exactly what you wanted.The whole damn town is talking about me again.About us.Just another joke for Severn’s gossip mill.”
I grit my teeth, anger sparking hot and dangerous in my system.“Do you really think I wanted this?You actually think I like hearing people talk about you like that?”
She folds her arms tight, hugging herself.“It doesn’t matter.It’s what they’ll always say.Adam Blake ruins another girl.”
That hits deeper than I expect.Because she’s right, that’s the story everyone always tells.But it doesn’t have to be.
“Then I’ll change the story,” I say.
She laughs, harsh and humorless.“You can’t.Not here.Not in this town.”
“Watch me.”I say with determination.
Her lips part, stunned by the conviction in my voice.And yeah, maybe I don’t know exactly how I’m going to do it, but I know I will.Because she deserves better than whispers and pity.
