Austen Box Set by Hart Staci

Author:Hart, Staci
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-11-12T16:00:00+00:00

* * *

Wade

I couldn't stop walking.

My tasks were forgotten, my list forgotten, wiped out at the sight of Elliot with him.

Jack.

The word was a curse as I walked aimlessly around the Upper West, replaying the meeting over and over again as if I could will another outcome into existence. As if I could erase the image of her smiling at him. As if I could eradicate the sound of her laughter. As if I could break the hand that touched her back.

Coming home to find Ben had shifted something in me, given me hope, given me strength. Given me purchase against the shifting ground I found myself on. All night, I'd thought about the possibility of her. All day, I'd considered what I would say. I'd let myself hope, hope that was dashed by the sight of her by his side.

She'd moved on, and the realization left me reeling.

I was stupid to think she'd never gotten over me like I hadn't gotten over her. It hadn't even crossed my mind that she could have a boyfriend, that she could have been dating someone. That someone could be interested in her, and she in him. Because the way she looked at him, the way he was smiling at her — it all spoke of happiness, togetherness.

It never even occurred to my one-track mind because I'd never moved on, never imagined I could or would. Never even tried. And now that it had occurred to me, I couldn't shake the maddening thought of her with another man.

Maybe he was better for her. He was here, after all, available. I was unavailable, and I would be leaving again. Always leaving. If she cared about him, I'd let her be. There would be no telling her how I felt, not if she was happy. I wouldn't get in the way of her happiness.

But that didn't mean I was happy about it.

I turned the corner and found myself on my street, my feet carrying me home on their own, and I stormed into the house, not sure what else to do. It was quiet — I found Sophie on the couch next to Dad, both napping. Sadie was nowhere to be seen, and I heard voices in the kitchen … Lou and Ben, I realized as I approached.

Lou was laughing, and she laid a hand on Ben's arm where it rested on the island counter. He leaned toward her, smiling, and relief slipped over me at her redirected attention.

She caught sight of me as I walked into the room and pulled her hand back, cheeks flushing. "Wade," she said, and Ben looked over his shoulder, frowning when he saw me.

"You okay?"

I ran a hand through my hair. "Yeah."

He gave me a look that said he knew I was full of shit.

Lou slipped off her stool. "I should get going. Dinner's in the fridge with heating instructions. I'll, ah, see you tomorrow?"

I gave her a nod and pulled open the refrigerator door, reaching for a beer.

"Let me walk you out," Ben said as he followed her out, hand on her back.

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