A long sigh leaves his body, and he runs his fingers through hair, pulling it back from his head. He stares into my eyes. “Is that what you think I did to you? You think I ruined you by sleeping with you?”
“I was happy.”
He takes two steps towards me and quietly spits out the words. “Fucking liar.” His orange flavoured breath from the juice lands on my face. “You were fucking begging for it. I only gave you what you wanted. You can’t tell me you were happier with Justin.”
He’s right. I wasn’t happy with Justin, but I’m not happy with him. Not if he’s going to disregard my feelings. How can one person give me the highest of highs and the lowest of lows?
“I’m going.” I spin on my heel, storm into the hall, and grab my keys from the shelf.
He strides behind me. “Where do you think you’re going?”
“Away from you.” I push against his chest as he cages me between him and the door. “Let me go.”
“You’re not driving anywhere in this state. Give me those fucking keys.”
“Let me go.” I bang my fist against his chest.
His eyes narrow, making them appear darker with every heavy breath that leaves his lungs. “No fucking way are you driving like this. Not after what happened to you before.”
He wraps both arms around me, holding me against his chest. I fight him, trying to squirm from his arms, but he doesn't falter and holds me tighter. Realising I can’t win, I give in. The keys drop to the floor with a clunk, and I slump into his arms and sob.
He rubs my back with one hand and holds my head with the other, kissing my forehead. “I love you, you know. I fucking love you, Steph.”
“Callum.” I sniffle, shaking against him with every sob. “I love you. I just can't bear the thought of you leaving me for her again. She’s everything I’m not.”
“Exactly. She’s not you. She’s not the one I love.” He lifts my chin and presses his warm lips to mine. “I won't email her again if it upsets you this much.”
I open my eyes, staring into his glassy ones. “Really?” My voice wobbles.
“Yeah. Even though I think you're nuts, but I don’t want you getting upset like this.” He kisses away my tears and swipes his thumb over my cheek.
My shoulders relax. I run my hands over his t-shirt up to his chest. The beating of his heart beneath my palm soothes me, and I let out a sigh, knowing I’m being so unreasonable. “I don't want you to stop emailing her.”
He pulls back to get a good look at me and dips his head to meet my eyes. “Are you serious?” He quirks a half smile. “You really do need medicating. Make your fucking mind up.”
“Just limit it to maybe once a year,” I say, smiling with my swollen lips.
“Baby, you can write the damn thing, because I never want to see you upset like this again. You hear?” He kisses me again, ravishing me against the door.
A knock vibrates against my back. “Hello.”