This isn’t just hesitation.
It’s the final nail in the coffin.
I pull away abruptly, pressing my lips together as I wipe the corner of my mouth with the back of my hand. Trey’s hands are still on me, but the moment he sees my face, he lets go.
“That bad, huh?” he says with a chuckle, though there’s something a little hesitant behind his smile. He knows.
I let out a slow breath and force a small smile. “It’s not that. You’re… great.”
Trey tilts his head, waiting for thebut.
“But,” I continue, “I thought I wanted this. I really did. But I think I’m just… not ready.”
It’s not a lie. I slept with my ex-husband then rushed into dating because Sarge thought it’s what I needed.
I’m not ready.
And I’m starting to wonder if I’ll ever be ready for anyone who isn’t Corbin. And I hate that.
Trey watches me carefully, then nods. “You know, I had a feeling you were somewhere else tonight.”
I swallow. “I’m really sorry.”
“Don’t be,” he says easily, but I can hear the disappointment laced in his words. “I like you, Jules. You’re cool as hell. But if your head’s not in this, then I’m not gonna chase you down and try to make you want something you don’t.”
I let out a quiet laugh. “You’re going to find someone whoisready.”
Trey gives me a lopsided grin and nudges my shoulder. “I know. And when you figure out what you want, I hope you go after it, too.”
The words stick in my chest as we say our goodbyes.
When I finally step outside, the cold air nips at my skin, but it feelsgood. Like I can breathe again. I dig my phone out of my purse and shoot Connie a text.
Well… that was a bust.
She replies instantly.
LOL. Spill.
I exhale as I stare at the screen. I could tell her the truth. That I tried, but I couldn't feel anything for Trey. That maybe I'm a lost cause when it comes to moving on. That no matter what I do, I still wind up back in the same damn place. Thinking about Corbin Banks.
Instead, I type:
I just want to go home.
And for some reason, my mind immediately conjures a picture of Corbin’s house.
Not because that’s where I used to live.
But because I know that’s where Tate is.
And Corbin will be the one tucking him into bed tonight.
God help me.
Chapter Fourteen
Corbin
