Unfortunate : A Black Diamond Novel (Unlucky 13) by Nicole Dykes

Author:Nicole Dykes [Dykes, Nicole]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-06-26T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY

Elijah

Atlas should be off work by now, and I’m bouncing on the balls of my feet with excitement at the thought of meeting up with him tonight. I don’t know exactly what’s going on between us, but I enjoy the time we’ve spent together. And I don’t want it to end.

I walk out of my villa, closing the door behind me and start walking down the path outside, waiting for Atlas to show up. When I see him, it nearly takes my breath away.

He’s gorgeous as hell, with strong blunt confidence and swagger as he approaches me. But when he gets closer, I see he’s not smiling the way I like. “Hey, you,” I greet him, reaching for his hip. But he pulls away, and I drop my hand. “Are you okay?’

“Uhhh . . .” He won’t look me in the eyes, and suddenly, I feel a little sick to my stomach. It rolls as I watch him and wait for his answer. “I’m fine. I just, uh . . .” He’s still not looking into my eyes.

What the hell is going on?

“I can’t hang out tonight.”

“O-okay,” I say, and it is okay, but I don’t understand. We’ve been hanging out every single night. Is it too much? It hasn’t been for me, but is it too much for him? Oh God, am I a clinger? I’ve heard about that, but I haven’t really had a typical relationship before.

Not that this is a relationship, but well . . . it’s something.

Or at least I thought it was.

“Do you have other plans?” I ask, trying to sound like it’s no big deal, but I’m not sure I’m pulling it off and am starting to freak out a little.

It was going so well.

“No. I just . . .” He grabs the back of his neck, and I swear he looks pale, like he’s sick or something. “I just need a night. I mean, we’ve been hanging out every night for a while now. I need . . .” My heart is thumping in my chest so hard, I swear I can feel it pulsing in my ears.

“Space?” I ask because I may not have had a lot of experience with relationships, but I’m an actor. I’ve played many roles. I know my way around a dude needing space.

He nods but still won’t look me directly in the eyes.

I know I need to play it cool. I can’t get super clingy and beg him to spend time with me. I mean, we barely know each other. That would be really weird.

“Sure. No problem at all.” Is my voice higher? Shit. I sound a little crazy right now. “I was just going to go for a walk. So, um . . .” I hitch my thumb in the direction behind me, not even knowing what the hell I’m gesturing toward, but I know I need to get away before he sees how much this is hurting me.

I mean really? This hurts? Him wanting a night away from me.

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