Aila looks at me with narrowed eyes.“Who told you I was leaving?”
That’s not what I was referring to.I switch from pouncing to reeling.“Leaving?Leaving where?”
I’m a Midnight Rider biker, an all-powerful bloodsucking predator.So then why am I blithering like I have shellshock?
Relaxing now that she knows I have no idea about her plans, Aila explains.
“That’s why I came this morning to speak to Luna.I’ve decided it’ll be best if I go back to Winnipeg.Get a head start on sorting out our possessions.Start looking for an exciting new job.”
I’m staggered.How unimpressed with me can this woman be if she’s looking around for a replacement already?
I have no skills to deal with this.“What the fuck!Am I losing my mind, or did you not just ask to stay with me about ten seconds ago?”
“It was over a day ago.Don’t exaggerate.It’s a woman’s prerogative to change her mind.Hell, it’s a man’s prerogative, too!Things change.People change.Shit happens.”
Simmering down because I am well aware of how scary I can get when I’m angry, I manage to shrug and step back.Leaning against the wall, I fold my arms and lower my eyelids to hide my eyes.
“I didn’t have you down as a player, Aila, but it looks like you’ve been playing me like a fucking banjo since forever.Go on.Git.But please don’t go thinking you’re the only pretty waitress in my world.”
Aila reels like I struck her.
Immediately, she steps back again, distancing herself from me.I can tell from her flushed cheeks and quick breathing that Aila’s emotions are all over the place.
She begins to rationalize her actions to me.Like I care.The rejection is burning like a fire inside.
“It was my mom who agreed to work here so that she could be close to Ben.It’s mymomwho wants to get married and settle down, Theron, not me.”
I pretend to nod off to sleep and then wake up.“Sorry, I dozed off there for a bit.Are you still here?”
“Why are you acting like a child?”Aila is shouting now.
“Why are you acting like such a brat?”I guess I’m bellowing, but I don’t care.
Turning her back on me to break up our argument, Aila begins playing with her phone.“We’re done, now, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Are you saying we’re done?You’re late to the party, sweetheart.I said we’re done about five minutes ago.”
She does me the courtesy of putting her phone down and making eye contact.I brace myself for her to cuss me out.
“Please look me up the next time you’re in Winnipeg, Theron.I will definitely want to see you again if I’m still there.”
And just like that, Aila manages to draw me back into her orbit.Our fight evaporates like steam on a hot summer day.
All the reasons that tempted me into singling her out come to my mind.Underneath all that cuteness and sex appeal is a brave little girl just doing her best to stay afloat in a crazy world.
Why am I even trying to deny my love for her?I’ve got my fair share of male pride, but not enough to make me stupid.
Unfolding my arms, I hold them open.It’s so wonderful to see Aila’s smile dimples come back.
She gives me a friendly hug but doesn’t let me draw her in closer.“You are the best, Theron, but I bet all the girls tell you that.”
Tilting her face up, she gives me a cute smile before stepping back and reaching for her phone.Aila is shy after her determined declaration of wanting to hook up again.
I can’t help it.I start pacing and prowling around the kitchen with my hands bunched into fists.I must think of something to make her stay a little longer.
“How about you give us another go?”Pivoting around, I show her that I’m not begging, only suggesting.“One more night as lovers?”
I know that I am fucking this up big time when I see Aila edging for the door.
