Page 55 of Break my Heart
“Yeah, I do,” I finally admit. It makes me feel vulnerable to say it, but at the same time, it’s liberating.
A slow grin spreads across his face as he glances at me, his fingers wrapping around mine before squeezing.
“Good,” he says, his voice low and soothing. “You might not have realized it, because I’ve been keeping this under wraps for a while, but I like you too. A lot.”
His words send a rush of warmth through me.
I didn’t expect him to be this honest or direct.
Even though a part of me is screaming to guard my heart, another part—the one that’s tired of being afraid—is desperate to trust him and wants to see where this goes.
I bite my lip, hesitating as the familiar walls I’ve built around myself crumble further. “I don’t know what I can give you. My head is still messed-up from everything that happened.”
His gaze softens in understanding. “I’ll take whatever you’re willing to give, and we’ll go as slow as you need to.”
I shake my head in confusion. “I don’t get it. Why are you doing this? You could have anyone. There are so many girls who would be easier than me.”
For a moment, he says nothing.
The silence stretches, making my nerves tighten.
When he finally speaks, his voice is steady and sure. “Did you ever consider that I’m not looking for easy?”
A few minutes later, we’re pulling into the parking lot of my building. Before I can say another word, he’s out of the truck, rounding the front, then opening the passenger door. He extends a hand, and despite the inner voice telling me to push him away, I take it. His fingers are warm around mine.
“You don’t have to walk me to my door,” I say softly as we head toward the entrance of the building.
“I know,” he replies, flashing me a lopsided smile. “But I want to.”
When we reach the lobby, we step inside the elevator, and just as the doors begin to close, four girls pour inside, filling the small space. A brunette with wavy hair locks eyes with Hayes and then beams at him.
“Hey, Hayes,” she says, her voice dripping with familiarity. “It’s been a while.”
The jealousy that flares to life in my chest is sharp and unexpected. From the corner of my eye, I watch as Hayes acknowledges her with a casual chin lift. “Hey, Olivia.”
My heart sinks at how easily her name rolls off his tongue. Before I can dwell on it, his arm snakes around my waist, and he pulls me flush against his side. The heat of his body seeps into mine. It’s enough to dissolve the jealousy simmering inside me.
Olivia’s smile falters, the confidence in her gaze wavering as she glances at me for the first time.
When the elevator dings and the girls file out without another word, Hayes doesn’t bother saying goodbye. He’s too focused on me, his hand resting possessively on my waist as we step into the hallway.
“What’s your apartment number?” he asks, his voice cutting through the silence.
“406,” I mumble, feeling slightly off-balance from the entire interaction.
Why does he have this effect on me?
He tangles everything up in my head until it’s impossible to think straight. Especially when he’s this close.
Once we reach my door, I swing around to face him. My heart hammers almost painfully in my chest at the intensity that fills his gaze. When his hand rises to cradle my cheek, I find myself leaning into his touch.
How is it possible for our closeness to feel so natural and right?
It’s terrifying.
“Would you believe me if I told you that you’re the first girl I’ve ever wanted to get to know?” he murmurs, his thumb gently brushing against my skin. “I don’t care about easy. I don’t care how slow we need to go or what you think you can give me. I just want to be with you while we figure it out. Together.”
His words hit me straight in the chest, sending a flutter through my stomach.