Saying that out loud has never felt more like the truth.
He picks up my hand and kisses the back of it. “I will always love you.”
Oh god. I need to get out of here.
“I’m so sorry. I think it’s best that I go now,” I whisper and stand quickly.
A pained look mars his face before he hangs his head. “I’m sorry I couldn’t be what you needed.”
Tears sting, not because I’m losing him, but because I know how it feels to be on the other side of heartbreak.
I walk around the table, and he stands to hug me goodbye. I owe him a proper farewell.
“Goodbye, Corey.”
“Bye, sweetheart.” He kisses the top of my forehead, right when I peek across the restaurant to see Nate glaring daggers at us.
He abruptly stands and pushes back his chair aggressively, catching the eyes of people around him.
I break free of Corey, turn, and bolt for the exit, too emotionally drained to deal with Nate.
Luckily, there’s a cab dropping someone off right in front of the restaurant.
“Maddie Grace Cunningham.”
Ah.
My hand freezes on the taxi door at Nate’s demanding tone.
“You coming or going?” the cabbie shouts when I stand there frozen in time.
Nate reaches around me and slams the door in answer, and the cab swiftly speeds off.
“Was that him?”
“Don’t, Nate.”
“You’ve got to be fucking shitting me right now.”
“Go back to yourdate.”
“Jealous?” His voice is a breath away.
I square my shoulders. “No.”
“Could have fooled me.” His voice is low, dangerous.
“Seriously, Nate. I have no patience left tonight. Just go back to her.”
“No patience? You bring him into my city. To a restaurant where you know my brothers and I go all the time, and you think I’m going to be okay with it?”
Shit, he’s right. I didn’t even think.
I’m familiar with the restaurant because Mase has brought me many times, always mentioning it’s the brother’s favorite.
But Nate doesn’t get off that easily.
I whip around, my emotions at an all-time high, and jam a finger into his chest. “If you didn’t break my fucking heart, there would be nohim.”
