Page 33 of Abandoned

“I know you can handle yourself; you proved that earlier today. But maybe I want another minute with you.”

“If I weren’t so tired, I’d suggest waffles.”

“Don’t tempt me.”

She giggled while twirling the keys in her hand. Instead of unlocking her sedan, she leaned back against it.

He glanced around the parking lot. They were alone, so he propped his hand on the roof of the car just above her shoulder and leaned in close.

Their faces only inches apart, the scent of her spearmint gum enticed him closer. “I’m glad that crazy lady didn’t hurt you earlier.”

“That rolling pin was the greater risk.” Zara wove her fingers into his other hand.

He stepped closer, their bodies still not quite touching.

Her other hand came to rest on his chest.

His heart jolted.

“If only you were a detective. I’d feel better if you were the one working the case of who broke into my apartment.”

His whole body stiffened as if he’d been doused with a bucket of ice water.

“If only I were a detective?” The bite in his tone was harsher than he intended, but he couldn’t help it. Her words all but screamed his shortcomings. He pulled away.

“That was supposed to be a compliment.” She squeezed his hand, preventing him from pulling it away.

“Some compliment. Just point out my failures.”

“I never said you failed at anything.”

Except that she had. Only not in so many words. But he knew the truth about his failures. He didn’t need her to rub his face in them.

He didn’t want to fight with her, but he had no desire to explain why he’d never be a detective. “Let’s drop it, okay?”

He stepped back, but she clung to his hand with a grip so tight he feared his hand might cramp.

“Wait, is that why you didn’t finish college?”

Right to the gut. She might as well have punched him. College was the biggest fail of his life. “Look, college and I didn’t jibe. It was only one class, but it was enough to derail my plans.”

Horror streaked her face. “Are you the kind of guy that when things get tough you ditch out?” Her voice shook.

His breath caught in his chest. Was he that kind of guy? He didn’t want to be, but he didn’t know how to answer.

“You are, aren’t you?” Her jaw quivered as she stared at him. “When things get tough, are you going to give up on us? On me?” She didn’t give him time to respond. “I can’t do that again.” She dropped his hand and shoved him away.

This was ridiculous. They both needed to calm down and talk. “Zara, don’t overreact.”

“Overreact?” She shook her head. “No. I’d rather be alone than abandoned.”

She whipped around and yanked her door open.

“Zara!”

She slammed the door.

He reached out and touched the window. “Come on, let’s talk this out.”