I shake my head, panic rising. “I said no. Please.”
His eyes darken, and suddenly, he’s angry — like I just ruined his whole night. I’m scrambling, searching for my purse and get out of the car.
“I’m leaving,” I say, voice shaking.
He laughs, but it’s not a joking sound. I shove the door open and step out, the cold night air hitting me hard. My heart races as I lock the door behind me.
This isn’t how I wanted the night to end. I just want to disappear into the store, pretend none of this happened.
But I can still feel his eyes on me — and it's freaking me out.
I thought a few dates would take my mind off Elijah. That maybe, if I tried hard enough, I’d forget how much space he takes up in my heart. But the truth is — all night long, all I thought about was him.
Every time Henry opened his mouth, I imagined how Elijah would never talk to me like that. He wouldn’t ramble on about exes or make me feel small. I don’t even know much about his past relationships, but I know he’d never make me feel like an obligation.
And when Henry leaned in to kiss me, I didn’t just pull back — I panicked. It felt like cheating. Like I was betraying someone I hadn’t even committed to yet. Because Elijah would never force me, never corner me like that.
And right now, the only thing I want is to see him, to hug him, and maybe… finally say yes. That I do want something more. Even if the thought of him breaking my heart still paralyzes me.
I dig through my purse, trying to find my phone.
My hands are trembling. I keep thinking I hear something outside — maybe just the wind, maybe not. Then I feel it — a presence at the door.
My breath catches.
There’s a silhouette just beyond the glass, but the light in the entryway is off. I can’t make out who it is.
My pulse spikes as I walk quickly to the counter to flip the switch. If it’s Elijah, he’d say something. He knows how easily I spook. I fumble for the right switch and flip it—light floods the entryway.
But the figure is gone.
I stumble back, heart in my throat, and finally grab my phone. I don’t think, I just scroll to his name and call.
Two rings.
“Ava?” Elijah’s voice is immediate, concerned.
“Is everything okay?”
I try to answer, but nothing comes out. The silence stretches for a second too long.
“Ava, baby girl,” he says again, his voice edging toward panic. “Where are you?”
“At the store,” I whisper, just as a loud bang hits one of the front windows.
I scream.
“Ava!!” he yells through the phone. “I’m coming, baby, don’t hang up on me!”
I nod even though he can’t see me. My body is shaking so hard, I can barely hold the phone. Minutes stretch like hours until I hear him.
Knocking.
“Ava, it’s me! Let me in!” he calls through the door.
I rush forward but can’t get my hands to work.
The keys slip in my grip. I can see him through the glass — eyes locked on mine, concern etched in every line of his face.
