Wild Collision (Us 4)

“Shouldn’t feeling be a good thing?”

She shakes her head, taking a step away from me. “Not this kind.”

“Why?” I approach her. I’m afraid if I let her get too far she’ll flee. I wouldn’t stop her, but I don’t want her to go. I guess it makes me a selfish bastard, but I already knew I was one.

“I don’t want you to make me feel anything.”

A stab to my heart. I’ve never had words pierce me before. Not like hers do.

“Why are you afraid of me?” I ask, my voice low, my head angled toward her.

“I’m not afraid,” she says vehemently. “But I won’t have my heart broken—not when I know better. I know your type. You use, you use, and you use again and again with no care for who you hurt, even yourself. I won’t be a part of it. I’m too smart to fall for it.”

“You think this is an act?” Anger laces my words.

She nods.

“I wouldn’t pretend to get in your pants if that’s what you’re thinking. I’m as confused by this as you are, but you can’t deny it either can you?”

“Deny what?” Her eyes shift away.

She already knows.

“The chemistry, this thing between us. You felt it the first time we met too. I know you did.”

“Stop it,” she growls out. “Leave me alone, please.”

“I wish I could,” I admit. “It’d be easier. I risk everything with every second I’m near you.”

“Why?”

“You know why.”

“My dad,” she whispers on a sigh.

“I still want to know you,” I admit.

“Know me?” she repeats.

I can’t help smiling. “Yeah, I want to know you. Maybe be your friend.”

“Hollis Wilder, I think you’re incapable of being any female’s friend.”

“I’m willing to find out if you are.”

Her eyes dart away. “Even if nothing happens between us my dad will assume if he catches us.”

I give her a toothy smile, like a shark, a predator. “Then we’ll make sure he doesn’t find out.”

7

Mia

I sit across from Hollis at the pub a block from the studio.

How on Earth did I end up here?

How did I allow myself to get suckered into this?