She turned away, then spun back to him. “Is this supposed to be a date?”
“Yes.”
“I didn’t agree to date you.”
“You did agree to dinner.”
“And then what? What’s the next step? Because if this is about me falling in love with you, you can forget it. That’s never happening. It’s my heart, and you don’t get a piece of it. Not now and not ever.”
Because if she did let herself care, then who knew what was next. Hurt, for sure, because that always followed love. She would love him, and he would dump her, and she didn’t think she could go through that again. And even if she had the strength, she sure as hell didn’t have the will.
“That’s clear,” Javiar said, his expression unreadable. “My bad.”
Before she could figure out what he was talking about, he leaned in and kissed her on her cheek.
“I won’t bother you again.”
Then he turned and walked out of her condo, quietly closing the door behind him. Leaving her very much alone, which was everything she wanted, she told herself. Even if she was pretty sure she was lying.
“You okay?” Shannon asked, as she poured coffee from the carafe into her mug. While Javiar was sitting at the kitchen table, he wasn’t dressed for work or the gym. Usually he was up long before her, going on a five-mile run or lifting weights before dressing for success. This morning he had on shorts and a T-shirt, but more the kind he slept in than wore out.
“You look tired.”
“I didn’t sleep.”
She sat across from him, studying him. “What’s wrong? Are you sick?”
He offered her a faint smile. “No. It’s not that.” He raised and lowered one shoulder. “Victoria dumped me.”
“What?” The word came out as a shriek. “Are you serious? She dumped you? When? That bitch. Where does she get off doing that?” She frowned. “But she likes you. I know she does. Did you guys have a fight?”
“Nothing that dramatic. And saying shedumped meis probably too strong. That would imply we had a relationship, which we didn’t.”
“I don’t understand. I thought you guys were hanging out and stuff.”
“We were. I think she’s great, and I know she’s wary about getting involved, but I thought I could take it slow and win her over.” He shook his head. “I was wrong. She’s not interested in me at all. She made that really clear.”
Shannon’s heart sank. “I’m sorry you’re dealing with this, but I don’t get it. We’ve talked about you, and she seemed enthused.”
“Less than you’d think.”
“How can I help?”
“You can’t. I’m giving myself the day to feel like crap, and tomorrow I’ll be fine.”
Shannon studied him. “You really liked her.”
“I did.”
She circled the table and hugged him. “Want me to bring home pizza tonight?”
“Thanks, but I’m going to hang out with some friends, playing video games and drinking beer.”
“You’re such a guy.” She squeezed him before straightening. “I’m around if you need me.”
“I know. Thanks, but I’ll figure it out.”
She topped up her travel mug, then headed to her car. Halfway to the office, she changed directions and drove to Victoria’s condo. It was only a little after eight in the morning, so she texted from the parking lot.
