This was originally the beginning of Chapter 16 (in Rae’s POV)

Chapter 16

Raegan

“Because one implies you care and the other implies you don’t.” I can’t feel my feet. My entire body feels imbalanced and off-kilter.

“You’ve never wanted to have your cake and eat it, too?”

“Are you comparing me to cake?”

“I was afraid you were going to be offended because I was comparing you to a metaphor.”

“Is this a joke to you?”

“The cake or that you stuck your tongue in my mouth?”

Blood whooshes in my ears. Anger building with regret. “Get over yourself.”

“Clearly. Which is why you’re dating Derek.”

Something twinges in my chest, something far too similar to embarrassment, which feels more unfair than regret.

His eyes narrow. “Stop censoring your fucking words.”

“You’re an asshole.”

“You knew that and were still willing to hump my leg.”

“What is wrong with you?” Disgust sets in, making my voice louder and my tone accusing. “I didn’t hump your leg, you egotistical asshole. For the record, that was you. That was all you. I was out there minding my own business, and you came to me.”

“I was just giving you what you wanted.”

Of all the things he’s said tonight, these are the words that pierce the deepest and with the most impact.

“Correction, what you wanted.” I grip my bag and turn toward the door, swinging it open so hard the edge of it cuts painfully against my wrist. I slam it behind me and make a beeline for my car. Anger has tears forming in my eyes, blurring the street and my ability to speed away as I’d like. They fall down my cheeks, fat, hot pools that coast down each of my cheeks and falling from my chin, leaving chilled paths in their wake. If anger hadn’t always made me cry tears of frustration, I might be worried about the brittle feeling in my chest, but years of trying to stop this reaction assures me it’s my pride and patience that’s fracturing.