He stamps that patronizing peck on my forehead. “You didn’t answer my question.”
There’s a part of me that wants to trust him. The same part that’s dying to feel his mouth on mine, kissing, taking, and reminding us how good we are together, his big hands hauling me into his arms then dropping me on the bed upstairs.
But a different part of me blocks it all away. He lied. He used me, betrayed my trust, and, despite everything he said, I’m not certain he isn’t using me right now. Maybe he wants me. I knowhe wants me, but it’s temporary.
It won’t last. Nothing ever does.
“Hailey,” Carter whispers, taking a last step forward, his forehead dropping onto mine. “Tell me what you’re thinking.”
I shut my eyes, warding off the incoming tears. I hate feeling this way. So helpless... so confused.
I want him back. Close. Mine.
At the same time, I’m scared to suffer the consequences of believing him. Scared of the pain he’ll cause when he leaves.
He gently frees his hand from my grasp and wraps his hands around my back, pulling me in. I come willingly, seeking comfort, the familiarity of his scent, and so much more.
Too bad this is the extent he’s willing to give me unless I give him my unconditional trust. Unless I believe Carter and Nash are one.
My head lolls onto his shoulder. “I don’t trust you.”
The slow path of his fingers tiptoeing up and down my spine stills. Every muscle in his body turns to stone.
“I know. That’s okay... I can wait.”
“You shouldn’t. Life’s too short. Take what you can get.”
“I’ve waited my whole life for you... what’s a little longer?” He kisses my head again, and moves away, leaning against the cabinets on the other side.
“How about chocolate chip?” I ask flipping the topic as I hop off the counter.
“No baking, Hailey. Is that clear?”
“But—” I pause, wobbling on my feet.
Flickers of my past invade reality, teleporting me back and forth between Dad’s Ohio kitchen and this one.
Carter’s features morph from his own to Alex’s, then back.
Over and over until I’m swaying on my feet.
“No baking, Hailey,”Alex huffs, snatching his jacket off the chair.“Just fucking stop already. I don’t give a fuck about the cookies.”
“But they’re your favorite. Just try one.”
“I don’t have time for this. I need to go.”
He storms out and I flinch when the door slams. Pinching my lips together I ward off the incoming tears, glancing around the kitchen. It’s a mess. I’ve been rushing to bake these cookies on time, thinking he’d stay a little longer. Just ten minutes, but no. He never stays...
“Hailey,” Carter’s voice cuts through.
I stumble back, almost tripping over my legs when I connect with the fridge. “Sorry, I...” I don’t finish the sentence.
I’m not even sure what I want to say, so I walk around him, rushing upstairs to my bedroom.
Deep breaths, deep breaths, I chant in my mind, shaking the stiffness off my hands as I pace the room.
The door opens less than thirty seconds later and Carter stalks in, his broad shoulders squared back. He takes three long strides, dragging me into his arms.
