AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I don’t know. Maybe because—
Oh, please. Get real.
Neither one of us says much on the drive home. As soon as Jason parks the car, I hop out, grab my backpack, and rush inside through the back door.
“Hello, Layla,” Margaret says as I step into the kitchen. “Would you like something—”
But I don’t stop to hear the rest of what she has to say. I need to be alone. My chest is tight and hurting, and I don’t know why. A really good-looking guy asked me out today, and I should be happy about it. But for some reason, it only makes me sad.
Because he’s not the one you want.
I’m already through the kitchen when I hear Margaret say, “What’s wrong with Layla? Did something happen?”
I can barely hear Jason’s answer.
“She’s all right. She’s just a little overwhelmed.”
A little overwhelmed?He has no idea! Suddenly, I’m on the verge of tears.
I don’t hear another word they say because I race down the hall and up the stairs to escape into my bedroom before anyone sees me crying.
* * *
I don’t know why I’m in such a bad mood.
Yes, you do.
Shut up.
I can’t believe you seriously think anyone would want to date you.
Reese does. He asked me.
I told you, you’re just a trophy fuck. He scores big points if he’s seen dating the Chicago heiress.
I walk into my closet and change into workout clothes—knit shorts and a tank top—and then I head downstairs to the workout room. I’m going to runher—and this crappy mood—out of my system.
With my earbuds in place, and one of my favorite workout playlists playing, I hop on one of the treadmills and slowly crank up the speed until I’m running at a good clip, my feet pounding on the black rubber deck. I run like the hounds of hell are chasing me, because right now that’s how it feels. I run like I’m Jane Eyre out on the moors, fleeing Mr. Rochester, trying in vain to outrun my feelings for the man I can’t have.
Jason thinks I’m upset because some guy asked me out. I’m not. What’s really getting to me is that Jason asked if Iwantedto date the guy. He even offered to help make it happen if that’s what I wanted.
It’s not.
Reese isn’t the one you want.
For once, she’s right.
You can’t have the one you want.
No kidding.
Besides, he’d never be interested in you.
Again, she’s not wrong. Since when has the monster started making sense?
“How about you shut up and let me run?” Sometimes, when I’m alone and no one can hear my crazy, like now, I respond to her out loud. It all feels more satisfying that way.
When a hand settles on my shoulder, I jump, my heart rocketing up into my throat. I stumble off the treadmill, yanking off the safety cord in the process, which automatically shuts off the machine. Firm hands steady me as I rip out my earbuds and turn, coming face-to-face with Jason, who’s also dressed in workout clothes—a pair of tight-fitting shorts, a black tank top, and black running shoes. One glimpse at his rock-hard thighs makes me flush all over.
