Then she stops and looks across the street to where I’m parked, a small frown on her face.
I give her a moment to wonder before I step out of the car. She looks at me, only for a second or two, then turns on her heel and walks hurriedly toward the doors.
Go home, Landon.
I can’t.
“Rachel.”
She ignores me, but I catch up to her before she reaches the entrance to her building. Her eyes meet mine, searching for something, dark with an emotion I recognize. I’m not the only one who wishes things were different, but why is she pushing me away?
“For God’s sake, Rachel. Why are you running?”
Her chin goes up. “Maybe because you seem to be stalking me.”
Her tone is stern with reproach, and for some reason, it makes me smile.
Something tender flashes in her eyes, but it quickly disappears. “Landon,” she mumbles, “you should leave.”
“Why?”
She doesn’t reply.
No explanation then. “How was your date?” The words taste bitter on my tongue.
“You came all the way over here to ask me that?” She shakes her head in disbelief. “Or did you come to make sure I didn’t end up in Jack’s bed? That’s why you called earlier, isn’t it? To make sure even though I was with him, I wouldn’t forget about you. Because you’re what, jealous?”
I don’t bother to deny it. “Of course I am.”
I take a step closer and her eyes flutter closed. “Go away.”
“No.”
She makes an exasperated sound and reaches for the door. I hold it open for her, following her inside the small vestibule. She tries to unlock the inner door, but her hands are shaking. I reach for her hand and take the keys. I unlock the door and follow her into the lobby.
“I’m not going anywhere,” I tell her. “Not until you stop lying to me.”
She snatches her keys from my hand. “I don’t know what you want to hear,” she snaps, heading up the stairs. I follow behind. At the door to her apartment, she stops and turns to face me, watching me as I close the distance between us.
“I got your flowers,” she says.
It sounds like an olive branch, one I don’t hesitate to grasp. “Did you like them?”
She nods.
“I liked the article.”
She swallows. “I’m glad.”
We’re both silent.
“Landon…”
Whatever she plans to say, I don’t let her. I reach for her, pulling her to me with one hand on the small of her back. Hungrily, I cover her lips with mine.
She melts into me with a small moan, reminding me of every intimacy we’ve shared. Her fingers twine in my hair and her tongue tangles with mine.
She wants me.