Page 93 of No More Heartbreakers

The taste of him, the feel of his arms around me, his body pressing against mine was unspeakably good after the horrific stress of this day. After the way I’d stupidly pushed him away.

It was euphoric to be surrounded by him. His sweet, imploring kiss erased all my arguments, proved the absurdity of my self-deception. I was crazy for this guy.

And I would definitely be crazy to walk away from him and get into Hale’s car after this.

Aric lifted his mouth, keeping his forehead pressed to mine, his strong body still pinning me against the side of the live truck. His breathing was heavy. He sounded like he was fighting for air when he spoke.

“Whatever he says to you tonight—whatever it is he wants—remember… I want you more.”

I sucked in a breath, my heart slamming against my chest wall.

Before I could respond, he kissed me again, a shorter more aggressive kiss that had me squirming to get closer to him.

When he pulled away, I tried to reassure him, tangling my fingers in his hair as we stared at each other, our faces only inches apart.

“It’s okay. You have nothing to worry about. Hale just wants the chance to say a proper goodbye.”

“I don’t buy it,” Aric shook his head. “No guy in his right mind would let you go without a fight.”

“Aric… he alreadyhaslet me go. He’s the one who wanted the break in the first place. I’ll call you later, okay? I won’t be late.”

Why was I doing this again?

Aric stepped back and released me, rubbing his thumb along his bottom lip and looking at me with eyes that reminded me of some large, wounded animal.

“You’ve been so worried someone would break your heart again.” A long pause. “Did it ever occur to you I might be worried about the same thing? That you were going to breakmyheart?”

I stared at him, struck silent with shock. Slowly I shook my head back and forth.

“Do you think I’m not scared, too?” he demanded. “My father’s told me all my life that commitment leads to misery, but I’m willing to take a chance. With you. To believe in what I feel instead of what I’ve been told. I think you’reworththe risk. I love you. I’min lovewith you. And I was wrong to act the way I did today. I just want you so damn much. I want you to be mine.Mine.”

Aric paused as if questioning his resolve. And then he looked me straight in the eye.

“I can’t make you love me. Iwilllet you go if that’s what’s best for you, if being with him makes you happier than being with me. But I don’t think it will. I think we belong together.”

He gave a quick shake of his head and let out a sharp breath as I stepped toward him. “You should go. He’s waiting.”

He turned and strode off in the direction of the news car.

Wow.My breath came out in a long whoosh.

“Aric?” I called after him, but he kept his head down and didn’t stop.

I had all the inspiration I needed to make it an early night with Hale.Maybe he’d settle for fast-food drive-thru?

How much did we really have left to talk about anyway?

TWENTY-FOUR

Date with Disaster

Hale and I sat at a cozy table for two near the front windows of the National, an upscale eatery in Athens’ charming downtown area.

A candle flickered on the linen-covered table between us, adding to the intimate atmosphere.

“I’m so glad you agreed to see me tonight.” Hale cleared his throat and flicked his gaze from my face to my hands to the table and back to my eyes.

“Sure,” I said, studying his face.

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