Packing Up Love (Insta Love Shy Girl Romance 2)

When we got to her building, I instinctively looked around

carefully to make sure we weren’t being followed, but she noticed. “I think you’ve scared Kyle off for good,” she said.

“Still, I’d appreciate it if you’d be extra careful for the next few months.”

“You know you’re a little bit pushy.”

I walked her to the door of her building, then held her hands in mine. “I know. But I can’t help but be a bit overprotective of this gorgeous creature that I have intense feelings for. So, I know you need some space, but can you help me out on the safety bit? Just tell me you’ll be cautious.”

Claire nodded, holding my hands tightly.

“See, I’m not even asking to come in,” I grinned. “Look at me, learning to be less pushy.”

This time she really laughed, her head falling back as she put her arms around my neck. “Thank you so much for the shelves,” she said softly.

I tried to kiss her gently. I tried to give her just a charming goodnight peck. But the indescribable pull toward her had me slipping my hands under her coat, under her shirt to grip her lower back, pulling her body flat against mine. Claire’s soft moan into my lips unraveled me completely. The instant heat that flared between us was almost too much to fight, and it nearly killed me not to drag her to her bedroom immediately.

Finally I forced myself to push her away slightly, but couldn’t resist whispering in her ear, “Let me know when you’re ready to let me in.”

She looked up at me, biting her lip, then shaking her head. I watched as she hurried into her building. I couldn’t do anything but let her go.

CHAPTER SEVEN

* Claire *

It felt like I was being torn in two. I couldn’t even look at him as I got into the elevator and went to my new apartment. The home that he helped me put together. It was like he was already part of my life. And I wanted him, I really did. But I was just so terrified about everything right now that I didn’t trust myself to make good decisions.

Jason seemed amazing, yet I didn’t know him very well yet. Even though every single thing about him felt right, he was a complete stranger in some ways. At least when I started going out with Kyle, we had some mutual friends. I knew more about the details of his life.

But then I realized I truly needed to stop comparing my ex-boyfriend and my new… Whatever he was.

I also had to be honest with myself, even if I couldn’t quite be open with him yet. My feelings for Jason were too intense to process. I was scared. If I let myself go and truly gave him my heart, that was it. I didn’t know if I was ready for that.

I knew I shouldn’t listen to gossip, and the so-called ‘experts’ dealing out crazy relationship advice, but it didn’t seem to make sense that anyone would find their true love so quickly.

In the morning, the shop owner Rita made a huge deal about the new shelves. She was so proud of me, as if I’d done it myself. She said that I should make up a gift basket for Jason, but I was ashamed to realize that I didn’t even have his address. And I certainly couldn’t call him for a while.

Trying to lose myself in work, I got ahead of most of our orders, then got back to organizing the workroom. When my phone rang, I instantly grinned, hoping it was Jason. I couldn’t help it.

Then I saw that it was Kyle and my blood ran cold.

“Hello?”

“Hey Claire, it’s Kyle. Listen, I don’t like the way you ended things, and I think we should talk.”

“No.” I could hear my voice quaver with just one word.

“I thought you might say that. I found some photos in the back of the bookshelf. It looks like they were your grandmother’s. I’ll throw them out if you don’t meet me tonight.”

I gasped. “You wouldn’t dare.” I was positive that I’d packed up all of the photos, but I hadn’t unpacked those boxes yet. And I was a tearful mess on moving day, so I may have missed something.

Was Kyle reaching out to me out of guilt? Did he actually realize he’d been an ass to me?

“What’s that cafe near your work?” he asked. “Sunrise?”

“Yeah.”

“Be there at six.”