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“That’s because he was busy talking to me.”
Her answer wasn’t expected and the same need to protect her shifted to the forefront of my mind. “Why? What happened?”
“Nothing you should be concerned about. But I’m curious and feel I need to ask you a question. Did you break into my office at the hospital just to annoy me, leaving petals from the roses you sent me all over my desk?”
Her accusation was laced with rage, but it also was tainted with raw fear. What the hell was going on with her? “First of all, I ain’t the kind of man to give a lady roses. That’s far too passe for my tastes. Second of all, I was at your place. Or did you forget what we shared?”
My words were laced with arsenic, which she didn’t deserve, but I couldn’t seem to stop myself. I expected a swift, nasty retort, but the fear in her eyes turned into terror.
She looked away, but not before a single tear slipped past her long lashes. A strong ache formed in my heart, a need to protect her sweeping through me like a tidal wave.
“What’s wrong, Chasity? Did somebody hurt you?”
“Nah… no. Of course not. Just some asshole trying to get to me. That’s all. And don’t you go off halfcocked like you did last night.”
“I just did what came naturally to me.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of.”
I’d never felt so uncomfortable in my life. Seconds ticked by. “Do you need protection?”
I noticed her hand was shaking as she tried to nonchalantly brush her tear away before I noticed it. “From you? Does that come with a dose of rage or just hatred for me?”
Ouch. I deserved that. “I don’t want anybody hurting you. That’s all.”
“I’m fine. I don’t need any help from anyone.”
She didn’t need to say it, but I knew she what she was thinking.Especially not from you.Exhaling, I growled at the customer trying to get past us, which prompted Chasity to roll her eyes.
“At least let me protect you.”
“You just can’t help yourself. Can you? You want to be the big he-man, acting one minute like you care then snapping at anyone for getting close. Then you run away when things get tough.”
“You broke the rules, lady. You asked my friend about me.”
“Because you weren’t being forthcoming!” Her voice had risen, and she was instantly ashamed, her face turning bright red. She darted a look around her and pulled her cart away from mine, immediately trying to get as far away from me as possible.
I should stop her. I should tell her she was wrong. Hell, I should have asked her out on a date.What is wrong with you, asshole?
As she started to walk away, my throat tightened, but I couldn’t stand what was happening between us. “I purchased some art supplies like you suggested. I’m going to start painting.” I blurted the words out in such a way as if I was asking a teacher for a compliment on my improved behavior.
She stopped walking and I was able to notice her slight smile. “That’s really wonderful to hear. I can’t wait to see one of your works of art. I mean if you’ll let me.”
A rush of adrenaline flowed through me, my mind a total blank as to what to say. If I wasn’t being an asshole, nothing felt natural any longer.
She waited, maybe hoping I could get my head out of my ass and act like a normal human being. I just didn’t have it in me. Her sigh was one of disappointment and it stuck a knife into my gut.
“Well, I hope you’ll reconsider coming for an appointment, but I won’t push you any longer. It’s a decision you need to make.” When she walked off, I wanted nothing more than to reach out and grab her.
But the anger and hatred for myself wouldn’t allow it.
So I did what I was best at doing.
Not a goddamn thing.
* * *
Paint.
