Page 56 of The Hate Date

Annnnndddd. I’m horny.

So, so horny.

Why did I leave his apartment again?

Right. To take a sex break. Get some perspective.

I retrieve my phone and see I’ve missed at least ten calls from Joar. I also have multiple unanswered texts.

4:45: Clover, where are you?

4:50: Did you leave?

4:51: Your purse and phone are gone. WTF?

5:10: Sweetness, I’m worried, did something happen?

6:22: Please call me.

6:25: Jesus fuck. I’m going out of my mind. Please fucking call me.

6:48: Did I do something to piss you off? Talk to me.

7:18: Goddammit Clover. I’m losing my fucking mind.

7:19: This is so frustrating. I don’t know whether to be scared or pissed.

7:30: Pissed

7:47: Fuck this. I’m coming over. I’m going to find out if you’re okay.

7:50: Leaving. Be there in 20

Oh no. He’s furious. What was I thinking by just leaving without saying a word?

I know the answer. The truth is, I panicked. I knew he was going to talk me out of it. I needed to catch my breath.

I’m a grown-up though. After the beautiful week we spent together, I should have let him at least know I was leaving. Expressed what I needed. Maturely.

Would he have let you leave, though?

I glance at the time. He should be here any minute. I decide not to look in the mirror. There’s no time to do anything about how I look anyway.

He’s seen it all at this point. I haven’t worn makeup in days. Or clothes, for that matter.

I hear the buzzer to my gate. Taking a deep breath, I answer. “Hello?”

“Let. Me. In.“ Joar’s raspy voice is seething.

With a heavy sigh, I unlock the gate using my remote. I’m not frightened. Not for my safety, that is. Mostly, I’m scared about my emotional well-being. If I get too attached, this guy has the power to devastate me. I feel things with Joar that I’ve never…

Shit. Despite every red flag, I let it happen.

We need to have a conversation. He’s here. Might as well get it over with.

Not like I have any choice.

From where I’m waiting in the foyer, I hear the door to Joar’s car slam. Heavy footsteps approach. The doorbell rings.

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