“You can’t stay here,” he said. “There’s only one bedroom.”
“I don’t intend on driving all the way back to Rangiora in the middle of the night to sort it out, if that’s what you’re suggesting. And I certainly won’t be sleeping in my car.”
Hoping it would end the conversation, she turned back to her suitcase, hunting through her clothes with purpose. Infuriatingly, he didn’t leave. She sighed. Reluctant to give him anything that felt like a win, but with exhaustion hitting hard, she was beyond ready for this conversation to be over.
“You can just deal with my being here for the night,” she said. “You can find yourself another place to stay tomorrow.”
She pulled a navy satin pyjama top over her head and looked for the matching bottoms, conscious of Nate standing behind her, most likely getting a good eyeful of her curves by now. The gentleman thing was an act, she knew it. He could look all he wanted; he wouldn't be getting close.
Turning back to Nate, she set a cold expression on her face, ready to challenge him. Surprisingly, his hand was still over his eyes.
“I’m dressed. You can look for goodness sake.”
Lowering his hand, a slight flush coloured his cheeks.
Good. She’d ruffled him. She stood up straighter.
“I’ll sleep on the couch tonight,” she said, her voice tight. “But don’t forget to change the bedroom sheets when you leave in the morning.”
“You expectmeto move out? I don’t see why I—”
Hands on her hips again, she glared at him. “Have you heard of a thing called privacy? I’m trying to get ready for bed here.”
All the fight left Nate’s face. He ran a hand through his hair, tugging at it. “I can’t believe this.” Turning on his heels, he headed toward the bedroom, slamming the hall door behind him.
In the small lounge, an angry heat tightened her throat as she stared at the door. Stupid, arrogant man. Now she was exhausted and forced to sleep on a couch without a blanket or pillow in sight.
Out of nowhere, tears threatened to spill over, but there was no way she'd let herself cry. No way she’d give Nate Mitchell the satisfaction of upsetting her, even if he wasn’t here to see it. She’d know. The thought of crying because of a guy? Infuriating. Jess promised herself she’d never be like that after watching hermother weep yet again after a fight with her stepfather, when she was 19.
A frustrated growl escaped from between her teeth. The couch looked long enough to sleep on, but she couldn’t stand sleeping without bedding. Charging into the bedroom and snatching all the covers and pillows off the bed was a tempting option. It would serve him right. He’d been nothing but rude since she’d met him. But she knew she wouldn't do it. In part, she felt she’d overreacted a little.
The ping of her phone reminded her of why that might be. Dave hadn’t let up all day. She’d read his messages all in one go after the shoot ended. His texts started out fine but got progressively nastier as the day dragged on. She clicked to open his latest message.
Forget it, Jess. But don’t expect to find anyone better!
Showing his true colours. That was the problem with guys like Dave and Nate. They were so charming and handsome. They’d promise you the world. Then, when they didn’t get what they wanted, they’d turn on you or run away.
The previous night, with Dave, she’d thought she’d made it clear they were casual. Hadn’t they both said that’s what they wanted? He was a tech in radiology, and they’d gone out clubbing a handful of times. Only ever for fun.
“Stay the night?” he’d asked her after the clubs closed and they’d ended up at his house. Why had she agreed to stay?
That was one of her rules. Don’t sleep over. Don’t snuggle after sex. Don’t go on too many dates with the same guy. Keep it fun. Keep it casual. That way, no-one gets hurt.
She’d broken all the rules with Dave. They’d laughed and danced and slept together and then, stupidly, she’d stayed the night curled in his arms. He’d wrapped himself against her, thebig spoon to her small. He’d left the curtains open in his second-story apartment so they could watch the sun rise: red and orange against the cloudy morning sky. For a moment, Jess had slipped.
“This is romantic,” she’d said into his pillows.
Had it misled him? Was it the signal he’d been waiting for? She’d meant the view, not him. Any spark she felt with Dave was a minor flicker at most. He was attractive, but clearly a player. Another reason she’d thought he’d been safe to date.
Mr. Casual. Mr. Commitment-phobe.
But no.
“I love you, Jess,” he’d whispered into her ear.
He loved her? How could someone love you after just a few dates? It was either delusional or manipulative to claim the L-word that early on. After Dave’s last text, she was leaning towards manipulative. There’s no way she’d fall for that trick. Not this time.
Jess searched the room for any kind of drawer where blankets might be hiding. She opened and shut cupboards, not worrying if it kept Nate awake.
