And when I allow them to wash over me, the emotions flow as well. Axel pulled up the feelings I locked down after he left for Los Angeles and my father died. From the way he holds me and looks into my eyes, everything he does tells me I’m special to him. How can I notfeelagain?
I place the mascara wand down on the counter and look in the mirror, seeing the girl who fell in love with Axel and not the woman who swore never to let anyone in who could hurt her again. And that is dangerous to my heart.
Especially since I saw the evidence of his transitory nature. Who lives for so long without a sofa? A television? Pictures on the walls? Though I didn’t mention it, I took a look around his room, and there was just one photo on his dresser. Him with his grandmother and sister. No other personal items with sentimental value to be found.
Back when we were in high school, his grandmother kept his music awards and any accolades hanging in his room. After she died, he hadn’t taken them down. His way of keeping her memory alive. But it seems like, over the years, personal items no longer meant anything to him.Furnituredoesn’t mean anything to him, almost as if he has one foot out the door already.
It doesn’t make sense. Nothing about the house he rents or the life he lives jibes with the man who is trying to convince me to giveusanother chance.
Maybe that’s why I’m going out with him again. Not to mention, I can’t deny the pull he has over me, how much I enjoy his company, and the sexual chemistry I’ve never felt with anyone else. But I can’t let him hurt me again.
Pushing the confusing thoughts out of my head, I pick up the wand and put two coats of mascara on my lashes, swipe some blush on my cheeks, and add my favorite shimmery gloss to my lips.
I caught a ride with my mom this morning so Axel can pick me up for our date from work. A last glance in the mirror and I’m ready.
I walk into the outer office to find my mom putting on a light sweater as she prepares to leave. “Finished for the day?” I ask.
My mom turns to face me. “Glenn and I have dinner plans,” she says. “You look pretty. I take it you have plans of your own?”
“Thank you, and yes, I do.”
“With Axel?” my mother asks, the hope in her voice evident.
I nod. “But don’t go getting your hopes up, okay?” The last thing I need is my mother being disappointed when things don’t work out after Axel goes back on tour.
“Amy told me he drove you home after the party.” My mother’s way of digging for information.
I can’t help but smile. “He did, and I appreciated him rescuing me from myself.”
My mother eyes me, doing her obvious best to figure out what I’m thinking. “I’m just glad you’re going out,” she says at last.
I let out a long breath, glad we aren’t going to be having a deep talk about feelings and my dating life. Or worse, discussing my sex life.
“Thanks, Mom.” I glance out the window and see Axel pull into the parking lot.
Wanting to avoid my mother’s interrogation, I walk over and kiss my mom on the cheek. “Say hi to Glenn for me. I see Axel’s car. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Before my mother can reply, I wave and rush for the door.
I step outside at the same time Axel climbs out of his convertible. “No need to get out. I’m here and ready.”
“I can still open your door for you.” He grins, looking sexy as ever in his jeans, a navy tee, and sunglasses tucked into the round collar of his shirt.
He stops me before I can pass him and head to the passenger side, placing his hands on my waist. “Hello, Tara.” He dips his head and kisses my lips.
A little happy sigh escapes. Dammit. “Hi, yourself,” I say as he lifts his mouth from mine.
With his hand on my back, he walks me around the back end of the car, opens the door, and helps me in, shutting the door.
He climbs into the driver’s seat and turns on the engine.
“Where are we going?” I ask.
He places an arm on my seat, turning my way. “Depends on you. Are you hungry?”
My grumbling stomach answers for me. “Starving. I barely had time for lunch.”
“How’s pizza?”
