AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Just get in the cab, Sawyer,” I say quietly.
He studies me and climbs in and before anyone can do or say anything, I close the door and walk in the opposite direction. Just in time as well because my tears fall—large, big ones that fall harder as the sob I’ve held inside for so long raises to the surface.
As I dash along the sidewalk, I lift my face and let the rain wash my tears away, but more fall as my shoulders shake. My vision blurs and I start to stumble on the uneven ground, suddenly an arm snakes around my waist, keeping me on my feet.
“You need to watch…” his voice trails off as he looks at my face. “Andie, what the hell?”
Sawyer keeps his arm around me and drags me over to the entrance of an alley. “What’s wrong?” He cups my face in his large hands.
When he caught me before I hit the ground, I was stunned but that’s wearing off, so I move away from his touch and the heat of his body. “What are you doing here?”
He frowns, not looking happy. “I sent the others on to the club. I wanted to make sure you were okay.”
“You shouldn’t be here.” I shake my head. “You shouldn’t have come after me.”
“Dammit, Andie.” He yanks at the wet strands of his hair. “You looked so upset.”
“Wow! What a genius,” I shout. “Yes, I’m upset.” I stomp back and forth, forgetting that the rain has soaked through my dress. “But you know what, it doesn’t concern you.”
“Yes it does.” He stands in front of me, just as soaked. “It concerns me,” he shouts, before softening his tone, “Stop lying to yourself.”
“Ha!” I laugh. “I’m with Jeremy now, so no, it doesn’t concern you,” I say and watch hurt flicker across his face as he takes a step back.
I’m on a roll even though I know that I need to shut up before I say something that can’t be undone. “I know that I’m not alone in what I feel. You’ve avoided me. You’ve liaised with me via email when all the other TA’s get one-to-one meetings with their professor. You though,” I step directly in front of him, “you’ve avoided me like the plague.” I cry. “I hate that you feel you can’t be in the same room as me. As though I’ve done something wrong or you can’t stand the sight of me...It. Hurts.”
“Andie . . .” he reaches out but I avoid his hand. “Will you let me talk?”
I ignore him once again and turn my back to him, but I can’t resist saying one more thing. Glancing over my shoulder though, I pause when I see devastation on his face. He looks haggard. I swallow for courage and state, “I quit. I’m going home and marrying the man my mom wants me too!”
Quickly dashing away, I hope that he doesn’t follow me this time and when he doesn’t my feet falter and eventually stop. What have a done? I was upset and lost it for once in my life. The usual levelheaded Andie lost it on the man she’s fallen in love with! Because I do. Love him that is. I fell hard and fast the very first time we met. I’m not blind and know that there is an attraction between us. Except Sawyer decided he’d ignore it and just ignored me in the process, which hurts all the more.
Chewing on my bottom lip, I turn and slowly head back toward the ally wondering what I’m going to say to him...or should I leave it well alone?
Approaching the ally, two men run out and very nearly knock me over. I notice the one in the ball cap looked to have blood on his hands. My heart climbs into my throat as I dash into the alley and I panic when I can’t really see anything, but I do hear a moan, which gets me moving.
“Sawyer?” I shout, running closer to where I heard the sound, and then another one . . .
“Sawyer?” I cry dropping to the ground beside him.
His shocked gaze meets mine and when I look down his hand is covered with blood.
“Oh God, Sawyer.” My hands shake as I grab a silky scarf from my purse and press it to his wound. “I need my phone.”
Panicked, my hands shake as I grab my cell and quickly dial for help. While I’m talking and shouting at them to come quick, Sawyer reaches out to me with his other hand. I place the call on speaker and grab hold of his hand.
“I’m sorry,” he whispers, his voice edged with pain. “The other woman...my sister,” he gasps, tears welling up in his eyes. “You mean everything to me.”
I cry silently as I put pressure on his wound hoping that help arrives quickly.
Not five minutes later, I hear, “Ma’am, let us in there.” I blink unable to move. “Ma’am.”
Move. I need to move.
Neither my brain nor my legs want to work, but as soon as there’s enough room for the paramedics to get to Sawyer, they start working.
My gaze stays on Sawyer’s until he closes his eyes and looses all color.
The rest is a blur as I give my statement and hold Sawyer’s hand all the way to the ER.
