CHAPTER 49

  I chew on my lip, hating that his mere presence sends my insides into chaos, and I can't look him in the eye even though I can feel his gaze on me. Intense and foreboding, like he's trying to climb into my skull. The sense of shame and bitter hurt swamps me once more, yet I have no desire to tell him to get lost. I have become that kind of pathetic, and even I know it.

  “Whatever.” I cave like a coward and walk away, leaving the door open and returning to my bed to return to my previous position. I pick up my cushion, pull it to my lap as a focal point, and play with the tassels on the edge. Brimming with sudden nervous tension that has my muscles go tight. I cannot bring myself to watch him follow me while my heart has decided to dance the rhumba in my chest. My hands are instantly clammy, and I have to tap my foot awkwardly to regulate my breathing and obvious nerves.