Worth the Chase

I slap my palm against his chest as he takes a step forward. “No, man. It’s all good. You know me. I’m not one for chick’s feelings. Her time’s about to expire anyway.” Like mine is if Bridge isn’t suddenly deaf.

“All right, playboy. Don’t ruin her too bad. Again—a date, no hookers. My sister’s order.”

“Uh…yeah. First off, that was one time and it was a joke. But whatever. Okay. I gotta—”

“Yeah, sure, and don’t be late. Or smelling like a strip club. Stacey made a comment last time.” Kip hands me the invitation, his eyes scanning the couch where all the stuff from our movie night is still out. He sees himself out, while I stand, staring at the closed door. Did she hear anything Kip and I said? “Fuck,” I hiss under my breath. Shoving my hand through my hair, I walk back to my room. A simple explanation should do. I couldn’t tell Kip the truth. But I will. After I make up for this. I know exactly how I’m going to ravish—

“Hey. What are you doing?”

As I walk in, she’s shoving her legs into her jeans. “What does it look like I’m doing? I’m leaving.”

“Why? Shit.” I duck when one of my shoes flies at my head.

“If I have to explain, you’re a bigger asshole than I thought.”

I try to reach for her, but she shrugs me off. “Angel, it’s not what you think. What you heard out there—”

“I’m pretty sure bragging to your friends about the flavor of the night you’re banging is exactly what I think. Please, don’t worry about sparing my feelings.”

“I didn’t mean—Jesus!” I dodge another shoe.

“God! I’ve been so stupid. You’re just like the rest.” I make another attempt to stop her, but she jumps out of my reach.

“Angel—”

“Don’t call me that!”

“Fuck! Fine. Bridget, just listen to me.”

“I’m so done listening to you. What I just heard is enough for me to understand what I’ve been telling myself this whole time. This is a mistake.”

Panic creeps up my neck as she grabs her shirt. “Bridge, please.” She can’t leave. I reach for her, but she jabs her finger at me. “Don’t you dare touch me.”

I back off. My hands shake. “I couldn’t tell Kip. If he knew—”

“Oh my god, just stop talking!” She looks around, searching for her shoes.

“I was going to tell him. But how was I supposed to tell him? He would have murdered me.”

“It’s called honesty, Chase. Making me out to be one of your side pieces is not the answer. Making me feel like a side piece—not the fucking answer.”

“Bridge, you’re not a side piece. I love—”

“Don’t you dare.” I step toward her, and she freaks. “Don’t touch me!” She picks up a book from my nightstand and whips it at me, making direct contact with my right pec. My chest tightens, but it’s not because of the book. I’m starting to truly fear her walking out on me.

She stares at me. The anguish in her eyes kills me. My stomach bottoms out as everything sinks in. It’s final. She’s done with me.

She races out of my room, and I rush after her. “This is ridiculous. Hear me out. You can’t just leave.”

“Watch me. I’ve heard enough. Or should I remind you, my time is expiring anyway.”

I may have gone too far with that comment. I hurry behind her like a lost puppy as she heads to the front door. “You heard what you wanted to hear. You have no idea what it’s been like for me. The lying. The—”

She whips around so fast, I stumble back before her hand makes contact with my cheek. “What you’ve been going through? Oh, wow. The lies have been so hard for you. And staying faithful apparently. With all the girls you’re picking up at bars. Let me relieve you of all this stress. We are nothing. Do you hear me? Nothing!”

“Bridget!” I call for her as she rips my door open and makes her escape.

Chapter 19

Bridget

My eyes are swollen. My chest burns. How could I have been so stupid? So naïve to think I was worthy of a better life? This is fate playing a cruel joke on me. Fooling me into thinking he truly meant all the things he confessed. That he was my salvation. Someone like me doesn’t deserve to be saved. I took a life. And this is what happens when I forget my ugly truth.

The Uber ride home is a blur. I barely register the Brooks’ estate as the driver pulls up the driveway. Visions of us replay in my head. His gentle touch. His promises. I cover a sob with my fist, biting at my flesh. I trusted him. I opened up to him. I loved him.

And this whole time, I was a conquest.

“Hell with him.”