Page 132 of Don't Let Me Go (Don't Let Me 2)

“Do you want to? Date anyone?”

“I think relationships and me are…not a good fit. Really me and men in general.” She avoids my gaze, picking at her cuticles. “I mean, look at my history, Blake. Male number one. My dad, who was a drug addict before being murdered after borrowing money for my education. You know, that was fun. Male number two. Shorty, who was pretty much the furthest person from Prince Charming on the planet, and was not only a cheater but also an abusive stalker.” She finally looks at me and gives two thumbs up. “A real keeper, that one. Even my date with Colt, who, for all intents and purposes, is guy number three in my examples for today. He was the one guy who had his head on straight that I’d ever really hung out with, and it was clear he was in love with Ash as soon as he laid eyes on her when picking me up for our first date. Also, to clarify, I’m not into Colt or anything, I’m just saying…”

“I get it. Go on. You can make your point.”

She pushes herself from the doorjamb and moseys into my room, checking her perfectly drawn eyeliner in the mirror hanging on my wall. “My point is…I guess I don’t know how to pick ‘em. Which is fine. I know how to be on my own. Honestly, I’m an expert at it. It’s probably better this way.”

“You sound like Kate.”

“And you sound like someone who has a date to get to,” she deflects. Clearly, she’s finished with this conversation. “Have fun, okay? I’ll see you later.” She clicks her dark manicured fingernails against the doorjamb in goodbye, then heads down the hall, grabbing her purse from the kitchen counter and closing the front door behind her.

Weird.

* * *

The night feels a bit like déjà vu when Theo picks me up a few minutes later. He compliments my outfit. I blush. He touches my back, guiding me to the car. I follow his lead on wobbly knees.

It’s like a dance.

One I’m all too familiar with.

Except this time? This time, there’s an undercurrent pulsing between us. Okay, there’s always an undercurrent pulsing between us. But tonight? It’s different. More charged, maybe?

I legit don’t even know, but there’s definitely…something. Like my body already knows where tonight could end up. And for once, I’m not fighting it, and neither is he.

The heat from Theo’s palm disappears as he opens the passenger door, and I peek over at him.

“Thank you,” I murmur.

His wrist is casually resting on top of the door as he smiles down at me. The moonlight highlights his sharp features. But it’s the hat that really does me in.

Like he’s in his element. Like opening my door is the most natural thing in the world. Like looking good enough to lick is as easy as breathing to the bastard.

And for the first time ever, there’s something I can do about it.

This is a date.

A real date.

I’m allowed to touch him. To kiss him. To go home with him. I can do whatever I want. And the best part? After his little declaration at the track earlier, I know he wants it too. There’s nothing holding us back. Not anymore.

The realization is…mind-blowing.

When I don’t get in the car, the side of his mouth lifts in amusement, and he challenges, “There a problem?”

“No problem.”

He cocks his head, his smile falling slightly. “You having second thoughts?”

Holding his gaze, I shake my head.

“Then, what is it, Blake?”

“Do you know how unfair it is?”

“Unfair what is?” he asks.

“The fact you get to walk around looking like”––I wave my hand at him––“this, and I had to spend years just…watching. And yet I had no idea I was allowed to touch.”

---