Before I can even decide whether I’m more furious or hurt, a familiar voice cuts in from just behind Grayson.
“Wow. Trouble in paradise?”
Aaron.My stomach sinks right through the floor. Of course.Of course he overheard.
He’s halfway past us, drink in hand, expression twisted, half a grin plastered to his face like this is somehow disgusting and endearing at the same time. “It’s all right, babe. Maybe date someone more in your league next time.”
The change in Grayson is instant.His whole body goes rigid. His face goes red,furiousred, his hands tightening into fists, and for one terrifying second I think he is genuinely going to hit the groom in the middle of the reception.
“Gray,” I hiss.
Aaron gives a mocking little shrug. “She always did love punching above her weight. Take it as a compliment, Grayson.”
I grab Gray’s wrist with both hands before his body can fully lunge forward.
“No,” I say, voice tight and breathless and mortified all at once. “Absolutely not.”
He’s still staring Aaron down like murder is a very real option.
“Hallway,” I bite out, tugging harder, forcing my upset to go neutral for at least the next thirty seconds. “Now.”
Reluctantly, he lets me drag him out of the reception room and into the quieter corridor of the hotel.The second the door swings shut behind us, I let go of him and whirl around.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” I rasp, trying to keep my voice low.
His chest is rising hard, anger still rolling off him in waves. “Me?”
“Yes, you. Do you understand how humiliating this is? You just insinuated that I’m still in fucking love with Aaronin front of him!”
His jaw tightens. “Then tell me I’m wrong.”
“I am telling you that, Grayson.” My voice cracks. “You’re wrong. What else can Ido?”
“Then why sign the lease?”
I stare at him, breathing hard, and for a second I hate that he doesn’t already know the answer. I hate that after everything, after months of this becoming real, he could think so little of me.“It's not what you think,” I say, my voice cracking as I watch the walls start to go back up, watch his face turn to steel. “I had a plan to move out, yes, but?—”
“Jesus Christ. I'm done.”
I blink at him. “You won't even hear the rest of what I have to say!”
“I've heard enough.”
“No, you haven’t?—”
“You were going to leave me, and you were going to leave Pen.” His voice turns rougher now, more wounded than angry, which somehow hurts worse. “You had it planned.”
“I didn't want to,” I choke, damp and raw, humiliation making my cheeks damp. “I didn’t use you?—”
“I can’t—I can’t do this right now,” he says, his head shaking, his gaze turning away from me.His expression hardens like I’ve confirmed every worst thought in his head.
My heart kicks hard against my ribs. “Grayson, please?—”
He steps back.Just one step, but it feels like the floor gives out under me.
And then he turns and walks away.
Chapter 34
