Page 8 of Heart Breaker

I stare at the message, huffing out a long breath. No hello. No apology. No explanation.

Me: Oh, now you want to talk?

Three dots appear almost instantly before they disappear then reappear. He’s thinking. Of course he is.

Wes: Yes.

I roll my eyes.

Wes: Meet me tomorrow.

I scoff out loud. Absolutely not.

Me: Hard pass.

Wes: Lottie.

My heart stutters. I hate that my name looks good coming from him.

Me: No. You don’t get to drop me into a media nightmare and then summon me like I’m your assistant.

The three dots blink again.

Wes: I didn’t summon you.

I let out a sharp laugh.

Me: That is exactly what you did.

Wes: I’m asking you to meet me so I can explain.

I hesitate for a second because explaining means answers, and I do want answers.

Me: You could have explained what the hell is going on when I was standing right in front of you this morning.

His reply comes quicker this time.

Wes: You were yelling.

He’s definitely not wrong there.

Me: You deserved it.

Wes: Probably.

I blink at my phone. Well, that’s… unexpected.

I press my lips together, trying not to let that tiny bit of accountability soften me.

Me: Where?

Wes: My place.

I freeze. The response is immediate, which makes me think he knew I’d say yes. I grit my teeth, annoyed. I definitely don’t trust myself to be alone with him either. I know better.

Me: A public place.

Wes: You think I’m going to kidnap you?