Page 78 of Flatmates (Life in the Brohouse 3)

“How is Seth?” she asks while I grab a glass and pour water into it, unable to look at her.

I nod and set the glass neatly on the counter. “He’s in pain, but he’s fine. Just bringing him some water so he can take his pills and go to sleep.”

Silence greets my ears and I glance over my shoulder, finding her staring at me, looking confused. I slowly turn around, feeling my stomach twist with anxiety. Clearing my throat, I wince, knowing it’s better to just apologize and get it done and over with. I don’t want this silent treatment to continue. It can’t continue. Not when I know I’ve been a jerk. She deserves so much more than me.

I don’t want us pretending like the other doesn’t exist, when all I want to do is kiss her.

“I’m sorry, Rachel,” I rush out, my gaze dipping to the tiles in the floor. “I was a complete asshole to you at the party. I was upset with myself and took it out on you and I,” I grind my teeth, feeling anger grasp hold of me for how stupid I’ve been acting these past few days. “I was a fucking jerk. I know that. And I know you’re mad at me for the way I treated you.”

I lift my gaze and close the distance between us, grabbing her hands and pressing them against my chest, where my heart resides. Her eyes widen in alarm, but she doesn’t pull away from me.

Maybe we can still make this work?

“Please, tell me how I can make things better?” I say, unable to hide the desperation in my voice. “I have never felt this way with anyone before. I never thought I could. Just tell me what I can do to make things better between us.”

Rachel’s lips part, her eyes filling with tears. I feel my heart crack as I watch a tear slip down her cheek, her head slowly shakes.

“I don’t know,” she breathes, her bottom lip quivering.

She slowly steps away from me, her hands slipping from my chest. I feel like my heart is shattering into a million pieces. What is happening? How is this happening? It was only a small fight. Surely, there’s some way we can make this work.

“I just need some space, Lucas. I’m not ready for us to talk about,” she gestures between us as she says, “this.”

I watch her wipe her tears, wishing I could simply kiss away the pain and make her mine once more. My head bobs up and down, knowing that sex isn’t love. Lust isn’t love. Supporting each other, listening to one another; that is what love is.

Trust is love, and I feel as if I have broken that trust by hurting her so terribly.

“If that’s all, I need to get ready for bed,” she says while briskly striding past me. “It’s been quite a long day.”

“Wait,” I whisper while grabbing her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

Her brows furrow, her eyes fill with pain and confusion. “What is it?”

I swallow, knowing I need to get this over with, even if she says no. “My parents are having a brunch this week. They asked me to invite you.”

Her shoulders slump and her gaze slides away from mine.

“You don’t have to go,” I rush out quickly.

“I don’t want to go.”

Those words make my heart twinge and I release her hand, knowing that I’ve fucked up big time. “Okay,” I say, hating the way my voice sounds. My breath comes in rasps. I feel like my whole world is breaking as I stare at her.

Her eyes lift to mine, brimming with unshed tears. She tilts her head to the side, looking pained as she watches me. “But I will.”

I blink. “You will?” I don’t know why, but I feel as if I’ve been given a second chance.

I watch her nod. “If it means so much to you, I will go.”

“Thank you,” I say quickly, a smile curling my lips. “It means the world to me.”

Rachel forces a smile while she slowly turns around. I watch her round the corner, feeling as if my heart is picking up the pieces. I will make this better, I vow to myself while turning, staring at the sun setting in the distance. Rachel means the world to me and I will prove it to her. I will prove to her that I love her and then she will be mine.

I reach for the glass, still resting on the counter next to the bag of pain medication. I stride towards Seth’s room, feeling revived. Quickly, I wipe away the tears in my eyes, forcing a smile while I enter inside.

24

RACHEL

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