His brow furrowed, rejection slamming into him. She’d shut him out again.
“Shannon.” He stared at her. “Don’t push me away again.”
Her lips twitched, a hollow attempt at a smile that only made the pain more pronounced. It was defeated, like she had already given up.
“It’s for the best.”
Jamie dragged a hand over his coarse haired jaw, a growl of frustration escaping him.
“Tell me what the hell’s got you so afraid to let me in.”
She tugged the cuffs of her hoodie over her hands, avoiding his gaze. “Don’t push me, Jamie. It won’t be hard for you to move on. Find another woman to fuck around with. Like I said, it’s for the best.”
“The best for who?” he demanded, reaching for her wrists.
She stepped back, out of his reach, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Her voice softened, but the words came out like a final blow.
“It’s best for both of us.”
“Bullshit,” Jamie shot back, his eyes burning into her faltering expression. “You’re a little fucking liar. That kiss meant something more, Shannon, and you know it.”
Her eyes widened, pupils flaring.
“Don’t, Jamie. Just don’t. You shouldn’t have come here last night. You offered sex. I agreed to one night. I’m done. The fun’s over now. Please, just go.”
Jamie’s mind reeled, her words sinking in.
“I don’t believe you,” he muttered, his voice tight. “You’re telling me you’d be okay with me walking out, knowing you’ll never see me again?”
“Yes,” she murmured, her voice small and unconvincing.
“Then say it. Tell me to leave and never come back.”
She pushed past him and headed to the door. “I’ve got to go now.”
The surge of adrenaline rushed through him. He wanted to grab her, push her against the wall, make her beg him to stay. “Say it, Shannon.”
“Thanks for breakfast. Take the leftovers with you.”
“I’ve lost my appetite.” His shoulders squared, the weight of the moment settling in.
“Okay… See ya, Jamie,” she said, her voice a whisper over her shoulder.
His mood snapped, dark and volatile, as he prowled behind her. The urge to make her kneel before him and have her choking on his dick for forgiveness, burned through him.
But instead, he stayed silent, his fists clenched as he walked past her, just like she asked.
35
Shannon
Outside, a storm tore through the yard, rattling buckets and creaking old beams.
Shannon checked her phone on the way to the coat hooks by the door, the familiar drop in her stomach hitting her once again.
It had been over a week since she’d kicked him out.
Despite everything, she missed the way he smelled, how his presence made her come alive inside, hungry for him.
