Page 26 of My Weakness

“That would be nice.” Her voice is shy as she leans back into me. It’s like she doesn’t believe me.

Damn it, baby. I need you to trust that this is real.

“Shall we grab one more coffee before we go?”

“No, let’s get on the road. I’ve got some work bits I’ve still got to do when we get back.”

And that there is exactly how I know she’s shut me out, and that for her, this was a weekend only thing. Ava never, and I meannever,turns down coffee.

If she thinks she can walk away from me, then she’s about to see another side of me. She’s about to find out how ‘mine’ she really is.

“Come on, then.” I lead her to the passenger side of the car. “Let’s get going.”

Ava

We pull up outside my apartment and I place a gentle kiss on River’s cheek as I thank him for the weekend and move to exit the car. I need to get out of here soon, before I say something stupid, before I ask him to stay. This weekend has been amazing,and it’s made me so confused. If it was anyone else, I’d think I’d won the prize in the guy department, but this is River. River hates me. River hurts me. So, of course, I’m constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop.

“I don’t think so, pipsqueak. Pack a bag, you’re staying with me.”

“Excuse me?”

“You have two choices. Either I walk in there with you and we both stay at yours — which is further from both our works — or you pack a bag, get back in this car and stay with me.”

“You don’t get to boss me around and think I’m just going to do what you say.”

“Baby, I’ve held you in my arms while we’ve slept, I’ve woken up with you in my bed. If you think I’m giving that up now I’ve had it, you can think again. Now what’s it going to be?”

“Neither. We’re not a couple, River.”Is he fucking serious right now?

“You need to get it through that pretty head of yours that you’re it for me, pipsqueak. You’re my fucking soulmate.”

“I don’t think that’s something I’m ever going to be able to believe.”

“You will. I plan on making you fall in love with me. Soon.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” I scoff. “The most we’ll ever be is fuck buddies.” The lie falls off my tongue, because I’m quite sure I’m already head over heels in love with him. But I won’t say it, not yet. I can’t. I still don’t trust him.

“Pipsqueak, fuck buddies don’t spend the weekend wrapped around each other like we just did. They don’t dance under the moonlight, and they certainly don’t feel the things I’m feeling for you. Now, get up there, pack a bag, and get your ass back in this car. You’ve got five minutes before I come get you — and pipsqueak?” His eyes narrow on me. “You don’t want me to come get you.”

I slam the car door behind me as I make my way up the stairs to my apartment, trying to show him how pissed off with him I am. I have no idea why I’m grinning like the Cheshire cat.

Chapter Seventeen

River

I’m sure she debated not coming down, just like I debated going up earlier than the five-minute deadline I’d given her, just to make sure she was packing a bag. Luckily, she came down and climbed into the car bang on the five minutes. I’m quite sure she timed it; it’s exactly the kind of thing she’d do.

Walking into my apartment with Ava is what I want my new normal to be. I want to see her things spread out on surfaces, I want her clothes in my closet, her toothbrush in my bathroom. I want it all with her.

“Do you want to go out for dinner, or should I cook us something?” I ask as I head to the bedroom to drop off our bags.

“River, what are we doing?” Her voice follows me and I wait until I’m back in the main room before I reply.

“We’re dating, pipsqueak.”

“We’re not dating.”

“Then what the fuck would you call it? What would you call it when I can’t stop thinking about you? When I want to spend every moment I can with you? Whether that’s inside you or just around you I don’t care as long as it’s with you. I’m so fucking crazy about you, baby, it’s not funny. I know this has happened fast.” My hands cup her cheeks. “I know that you find this hard to believe, that this all seems to have come out of nowhere, but believe me, baby, this is real.” I press my forehead to hers, our breaths mingling. “I love you, pipsqueak, so fucking much.” She gasps at my words, her eyes widening, her pupils dilating in shock.