That one word vibrates through me as the tension between Perry and Halsey grows.
Perry would never have taken this tact. He would have told me to talk to the guy so we don’t create a scene. Not Halsey. He said he’d shield me, and he’s keeping to his word.
“Fine,” Perry says before looking me in the eyes. “Blakely, I’m moving back to Canada and want you back. I made a huge mistake, and as we speak, my things are being shipped here. I got our apartment back, and now I need to find a way to earn your forgiveness.”
I blink.
A few times.
I was not expecting him to say that.
Maybe asorry for moving to Australiaor possibly wishing me the best of luck.
But he’s coming home, and he wants my forgiveness? Wow, just wow.
Halsey grows more tense as he steps in even closer.
While I’m reeling with this new information, Halsey mutters, “Too little, too late. Leave her the fuck alone.”
And then he pulls me out onto the dance floor.
He tugs me in close, rests his hand on my hip, and grips my hand tight as he slowly starts moving us to the music. My heart races as he leans in close to my ear and says, “If you want him back, tell me right now and I’ll step aside. If not . . . then I’m going to make sure I spend the rest of the night showing him exactly who you belong to.”
Do I want him back?
I . . . don’t know.
I wasn’t expecting Perry to ever stake claim over me again. Not after the way we left things.
And when he left, I wasn’t entirely heartbroken, more confused . . . maybe slightly relieved.
But relieved from what?
That’s what I don’t understand.
Did I not love him?
Because I thought I did.
I thought we were going to be married.
So why did I think losing him wasn’t a heartache? The music plays and we move together, almost as if we’ve danced together a thousand times before.It’s nice.And it’s giving me space to be with my thoughts for a little longer.
Halsey’s finger slips under my chin, forcing me to look him in the eyes. “Do you want him?” he asks, his expression soft as he speaks to me, nothing like the hard stone Perry had to face.
Do I want Perry?
I don’t think I want him the way I want the man right in front of me.
The desire isn’t there.
I don’t get goosebumps when he’s around.
And I sure as hell don’t feel weak-kneed whenever he speaks to me.
I bite the corner of my lip as I swallow. “I . . . I don’t think so.”
“I need a solid answer, Blakely. Do you want him?”
