Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 81176 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 406(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81176 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 406(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
I rubbed at that familiar ache that had been in my chest since those elevator doors closed.
“I don’t know. I know I’ve never really felt this way before. I mean, I know what being in love feels like, but with Clare this all feels…different. When I’m with her I feel happy and content. These last two weeks with her not speaking to me, I feel…”
“Lost?” Angie asked.
My gaze met my sister’s, and I felt my heart jerk in my chest. It all made sense. I nodded. “Yes. I don’t feel complete, I feel like someone reached into my chest and fucking ripped out my heart.”
Angie’s hand came up to her mouth. “Oh my God, Wes, you’re in love. You love Clare.”
I didn’t want to deny it, but I was also scared shitless to admit it. The feelings I felt for Clare were strong, that much I knew. I more than cared about her.
“She’s so much better than me. She’s out of my league, and I’m not sure I deserve her. And the worse part of all is that I hurt her, Angie. The look on her face when she saw Mandy kiss me. Then in that elevator she looked so fucking hurt, and I’m the one who did that to her.”
Angie sat back down on the table across from me and grabbed my hands. “Wes, fight for her. Don’t let her push you away.”
“I don’t know what to do to make her believe that I don’t want Mandy.”
“We’ll think of something. Come on, we’ll think better if we grab something to eat.”
I got up, took a quick shower, and changed.
“What’s within walking distance?” Angie asked as we rode the elevator down to the lobby. “I’m in the mood for seafood.”
“The Barking Crab.”
Angie clapped. “Yes! Let’s go there!”
• • •
The second we walked into the restaurant, I felt her. I also had a gut feeling I needed to leave.
“Angie, let’s go somewhere else,” I said as I glanced around the large open room.
“What are you talking about? You suggested this place.”
“Good evening, a table for two?” the hostess asked as she reached for two menus.
Before I had a chance to say anything, Angie replied, “Yes, please!”
“Follow me, please.”
I stayed back so that Angie could go first. As we walked through the restaurant, I glanced around and was relieved not to see Clare. Pulling out the chair for my sister, I realized I had been holding my breath. I slowly let it out as I took my own seat.
Angie thanked me, then the hostess, as she took the menu offered to her. When I sat down, I did the same.
“Your waiter will be Lonnie, and he’ll be here in a moment to get your drinks started.”
Angie and I both thanked her.
“What’s good here to eat?”
“Everything,” I replied, suddenly feeling like someone was watching me. Every damn nerve in my body told me to keep looking at the menu, to not look around. Ignoring my gut instinct, I glanced to my left and instantly saw her.
“Clare,” I whispered as our eyes locked.
“What?” Angie asked.
“She’s here, and she’s with someone.”
My sister let out a small gasp and followed my gaze. “Oh no,” she said as she quickly turned back to me. “Do you know that guy she’s with?”
I shook my head and watched as Clare pulled her gaze from me and focused on the guy sitting next to her. He was good looking and seemed to be fixated on Clare. Who could blame him.
“I’m sorry we didn’t leave when you wanted to,” Angie said.
Lonnie walked up and greeted us. “Hi there. What can I get the two of you to drink?”
Clare laughed at something her date said, and I swore it felt like someone pushed a knife straight into my heart. I abruptly stood, Angie following me.
“I’m sorry, Lonnie, we have to go,” Angie said as she smiled at the confused waiter.
“Um, okay. Is everything all right? Can we do something?” Lonnie asked as I grabbed my coat and started for the exit. I could hear Angie apologizing to him as she attempted to catch up with me.
Once I was outside, I drew in a deep breath, ignoring how the cold December air burned my lungs.
“Put your coat on, Wes,” Angie said as she tugged on my arm.
I did as she said. She took my arm and we started to walk away from the restaurant.
“I’m going to go home, Angie.”
“Okay. We can order delivery.”
I stopped and looked at my little sister. Those bluish-green eyes looked up at me with concern. “Honestly, sis, I’d rather be alone.”
“No, Wes, I’m not going to let you sit in your place all alone and dissect what we just saw. It might not have been a date.”
“You saw Autumn and her boyfriend. It was a double date.”
“So what if it was? That doesn’t mean she doesn’t still have feelings for you.”