Bad for You (Sea Breeze #7)(59)

He stepped inside and put his hand on his chest and let out a dramatic sigh. “I got one of every kind so I’m good.” He set the bag in front of me and sat down on the edge of my desk like he always did. “I might have had a small attack of jealousy. I had no reason to, and I realize that. It’s a guy thing, and I’m working through my male traits. Hoping I can get them under control.”

He was joking. The twinkle in his eyes was enough to make this easy. “Glad you’re working on those problems. Dealing with male issues can be tough. Good luck.”

Linc laughed and opened the bag and pulled out a jelly doughnut. “I was a jerk. But I missed you, so here I am.”

I took the doughnut, but I knew I had to be honest with him. He was funny and I liked him as a friend only. If that was what this was, then great. But I was in love with Krit. Friendship was all Linc and I would ever have. Some small talk and laughs over doughnuts on my snack break.

“You and the rocker still going strong?” he asked, trying to sound casual. The tightness when he said rocker gave him away.

Sighing, I set the doughnut down. “Yeah. It’s an exclusive thing now.”

Linc nodded. “Smart guy. Can’t blame him.” Then he glanced down at the doughnut. “Eat the doughnut, Blythe.”

Picking it back up, I took a bite. He had brought it to me, and I needed to at least eat his gift. Even if I wasn’t sure if Krit would be okay with Linc being here. Which was something I should probably talk to him about.

“He gonna be good with us being friends still?” Linc asked, keeping that easy smile that didn’t really meet his eyes.

I wanted to say sure. But that would be a lie. I had no idea how he would feel. Krit was possessive. Seriously possessive. He’d shoved a guy last night when he had walked me back to Trisha’s table and the guy had gotten too close to me. The guy hadn’t even been looking at me. I loved feeling protected and wanted that much. I loved being special and belonging to someone. Belonging to Krit. But Linc was nice to me. He didn’t deserve for me just to stop speaking to him. I wasn’t sure Krit would agree, though.

“I am taking your silence as a no,” Linc said.

I glanced up at him and shrugged. “I’m not sure,” I replied honestly.

Linc frowned. “Is he worth that? Being controlled?”

He didn’t get it. “He doesn’t control me. You don’t get it. But yes, he is worth that.”

Linc sighed and stood up. “You’re naive, Blythe. A guy like Krit isn’t your prince charming. He’s exciting, and I’m sure he knows all the right things to say. But he’s gonna hurt you. Don’t let yourself get too attached.”

I was beyond attached, but that didn’t matter. Linc didn’t understand what I had with Krit. He hadn’t seen the way Krit held me, like I was precious and breakable and all his.

After Linc left, I managed to eat two more doughnuts and finish all the typing I had been given. Tonight there was another Live Bay show, and Krit wanted me there. I was anxious to get home.

* * *

When I parked outside the apartment, I had wanted to run up the stairs. He would be there, waiting on me. And we would do things.

Opening my door, I scanned the room and locked my gaze on Krit as he stood by the window, looking out. He didn’t turn around to see me, but I knew he had heard me. This wasn’t the welcome I had been expecting. Not after last night. Not after this morning when he had kissed me at the car like he never wanted to let me go.

“Krit?” I asked, feeling fear slowly creep in. Had he decided today that he was already bored with me?

He turned slowly, and his eyes looked hollow. The light in them that I loved was gone. Something was horribly wrong. I dropped my purse to the floor and hurried over to him. “What’s wrong?” I asked grabbing his arm. My heart pounded in my chest. He was in pain. The flash in his eyes told me this wasn’t about being ready to move on. “Please, you’re scaring me. What happened?”

His gaze fell to my hand grabbing onto him, and he moved his hand to cover mine. The warmth helped ease my fear some, but my chest hurt because he was hurting. “Please, what can I do?” I asked, hating seeing him like this.

“Don’t leave me,” he said finally. His voice was hoarse.

I shook my head, confused. “I’m not planning on it. Is that what this is about?” Surely he wasn’t upset over something that hadn’t happened.

“If you leave me, I can’t . . . Just please tell me you won’t leave me,” he pleaded. This time his eyes showed some life in them.

“I’m not. Stop this. Please, I was just at work. I’m not even late. I don’t understand,” I said, reaching up to cup his handsome face. It was covered in stubble today. He hadn’t shaved. He rarely went without shaving. I liked the rough feel under my hands.

He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply as I touched him. There was something more. This wasn’t normal.

“I messed up,” he choked out.

A sick knot settled in my stomach. Oh god. Had he been with someone else today? Was this what I was up against with him? Did he still crave other women? My hands fell away, but I didn’t move. I couldn’t breathe just yet though.

“Before you. She . . . Britt . . . I slept with her on and off. Just when she showed up and I was in the mood. We never dated. I don’t date. But Britt was comfortable.”