Escaping Reality (The Secret Life of Amy Bensen #1)(32)

He arches a brow. “Is that supposed to discourage me?”

“Yes,” I replied tartly, and the urge to kiss him one more time before I deliver the goodbye is too intense to fight. I push to my toes and lean in to him, hands flattening on the hard wall of his chest, and press my lips to his.

He is stiff, unyielding, and I am instantly uncomfortable, second-guessing my boldness. I begin to pull back when he drops my bags to the ground and pulls me close, his hand sliding up my back, his tongue licking into my mouth in one long, hot sweep that has me moaning into his mouth.

“You’re no recluse,” I accuse when his lips leave mine, shocked at the scene we’ve certainly made, embarrassed to even look around and find out who is watching.

“Or I just want to make sure you know how much I want you, no matter what the price.

And you’re right. If I come with you to your apartment, we won’t leave anytime soon.” He sets me away from him, and to my horror grabs my bags from the ground and looks inside. His gaze lifts, brow arching.

“Plasticware?”

The warmth his declaration about wanting me had created turns cold. “I haven’t had time to unpack.”

“So your things were delivered today?”

“My things are just fine.”

I reach for the bags and he shackles my wrist. “Amy—”

A horn honks, saving me whatever command is certain to come out of his too-tempting mouth. “We’re making a scene. I’ll see you in a few minutes.”

His jaw flexes, tension etched in his face. “I’ll be waiting.” He releases my bags and my arm and I waste no time darting away. I am so tired of running away.





Chapter Ten


Twenty minutes later I’ve changed into a simple, versatile little black lace dress I scored for $29 on a bargain rack. With my heels on it’s a bit sexy, but I tell myself I’m dressing up to feel confident, not to impress Liam.

I’m so good at lying, I almost convince myself it’s the truth.

I check myself in the mirror and argue with myself about ending things with Liam. I begin with all the reasons I don’t have to say goodbye.

I’ve dated other men. I had a dorm mate, albeit we didn’t bond, but we lived together. Liam can handle himself far better than anyone I have ever known. But he is also the only person I’ve ever known with the resources to dig into my past and get himself killed in the process. People have died. I am not hiding for no reason. He could die. I won’t let that happen.

Resolve in place, I head for the elevator and ride to the bottom level.

The doors ding open and I am startled to find a denim-clad Jared standing there. He grins at the sight of me, all sexy male charm and hotness.

“Ditched the t-shirt, did you?”

“I did,” I agree, finding myself smiling despite my nerves over Liam. I step out of the car and expect Jared to move aside to catch the door. He doesn’t and we are toe to toe. The sense of familiarity with this man is instant, and I freeze, unable to move away. I am terrified, and not of Jared.

Terrified of this piercing black hole that I know too well will suck me into a place where everything and everyone is a potential threat. I swore I would never return to this place but I feel the fingers of the beast reaching for me, pulling me inside.

“You’re supposed to take that out of the box.”

I blink Jared back into focus and the very fact that I have to says a lot about my state of mind. “Box?”

He glances down and I briefly follow his gaze to the iPhone box I wasn’t able to fit into my small purse. “Oh.” I lift it slightly. “This. I like the box. I’m a rebel like that.”

He laughs. “A woman out to seduce me.”

I snort, a ridiculous sound that makes my answer all the more meaningful. “I’m the last person to seduce anyone.”

His light brown eyes fill with the amusement I intended to spark.

“You had me at the t-shirt and high heels,” he teases.

“You are never going to let me forget that, are you?”

“Probably not.” He flicks a quick look up and down my body. “Does the dress mean your things arrived okay?”

This is almost the same question Liam asked me earlier and my mood swings from comfortable in our neighborly banter to completely uneasy. I make a weak attempt at a smile.

“All is well in Amy-land.” I’ve barely spoken the lie when the cell phone begins a mocking ring from inside the box. Jared arches a brow and I quickly say, “Late to a dinner thing. I should run.”

“So you have friends here already?”

I avoid a lie I might have to remember later and shrug. “I guess the t-shirt and heels were an ice-breaker. I’m going to head out. Goodnight, Jared.”

“Goodnight, Amy.”

There is a softer quality to his voice I now think I’ve heard before. I have no idea why, but something about his tone strikes a memory and a chill slides up and down my spine. Spots begin to form in front of my eyes, and oh no. No. No. No. Let it stop now. Please let this not be happening.

But it’s too late. The pinching sensation in my forehead I know all too well, but haven’t felt in years, begins to form. I sway and Jared grabs my arm.

Reflexively, my hand goes to his chest.