29. Carter

The instructor on my fitness app keeps shouting encouraging things at me that only end up making me laugh.

“See the goal, push through pain, get to your goal. Let’s go.”

Thank God they can’t see me. I’d imagine rolling my eyes would be frowned upon if I were in their class in person. I can’t deny they make some great workout videos, though. It’s a cheap way to stay in shape and not have to go to the gym. I’m always too self-conscious to get any form of a decent workout in when I’m in public.

I continue cycling, pushing through the pain in my body until the instructor finally calls an end to the class. I’m drenched in sweat and breathing hard. It’s been a few days since I worked out this intensely.

I swallow down a huge mouthful of water as I head to my bathroom to shower. I have zero plans today, and I’m feeling restless for some reason. Sam is on shift, and I’m tempted to take the guys some food or something. I know they’d appreciate it. Plus, I’d get to see Sam. Even if they’re out on a call, I can still drop off a treat for when they get back.

The idea begins to take root. What could I make?

As I shower, I run through what I’ve got on hand. I don’t know that I have enough of any ingredient to feed the whole crew. Which means I’ve got plenty of choices if I have to go to the store anyway.

With that in mind, I throw together a list to make double-stuffed Rice Krispies treats and head to the grocery store.

When I arrive, the parking lot is packed. I have to circle the place until I find someone pulling out of their spot toward the back of the lot. I don’t mind having to walk, but my excitement over seeing Sam is making me want to rush through everything.

It doesn’t take me long to find what I need. Most of it is in the same aisle. While I’m in line to check out, a creeping awareness lifts the hair on the back of my neck. I swivel my head to see if anyone is watching me, but I don’t see anything out of the ordinary. Maybe I’m just being paranoid. The break-in has made me put my guard up more than I ever thought I’d need to when living in Westlake.

The feeling goes away when it’s my turn to check out. I pay and head out to my car, cursing having to park in the back.

“Carter!”

I turn at the sound of my name, but when I see who’s calling me, I walk faster. If I can make it to my car fast enough, maybe he’ll let me go.

Right as my hand lands on the door handle, his hand grabs my elbow. My head drops in defeat. I was so close.

“What do you want, Chase?” I turn, taking in my ex-boyfriend. He looks perfectly put together, as usual. His brown hair is styled off his forehead, the navy, patterned button-down shirt and khakis he’s wearing are perfectly pressed, and his annoyingly straight, white teeth gleam as if he’s incredibly happy to see me. That smile is a weapon. He could use it to charm anyone he wanted. Everyone believed he was a good guy because of that smile. I know better.

“I just want to talk. I feel like I’m owed that, seeing as you never gave me the chance to explain.” Some of his anger at me bleeds through his cheery smile.

“I didn’t need an explanation. All I needed to see was you fucking another man. That was plenty of information.” The burn of betrayal churns in my gut. Even after months of separation and finding a man who loves me better than any other, it still hurts. I never even told anyone that he cheated on me. It was enough that I put up with his abuse. Acknowledging that he was also a cheating bastard was just too much to contend with all at the same time.

“Car, come on. I was so stressed out after dealing with that piece of shit client, and you weren’t there for me. It meant nothing. I swear. Less than nothing. You remember how good we were together? I was the best thing for you.”

I scoff. “Whatever we had is over, Chase. I’ve moved on.” I try to get into my car when his hand squeezes my arm hard enough to make me wince.

“What do you mean, you’ve moved on?” he says through his teeth.

I twist, breaking his hold. I straighten to my full height, not letting this pathetic prick scare me anymore. “This is over. I don’t want to see you ever again. It’s time for you to find someone else to manipulate. You have no hold on me anymore.” His shock allows me to get into my car, and, much to my surprise, he steps back, allowing me to leave.

As I’m pulling out of the space, I glance one last time at Chase. He’s no longer smiling. Instead, he’s looking at me more seriously than I’ve ever seen.

And then he nods.

It’s quick. So quick I wouldn’t have caught it if I wasn’t looking directly at him. With that one gesture, I know he’s finally stepping back. He’s accepting that I am no longer under his thumb. I don’t believe for a second that he’s backing off because I asked him to. He’s backing off because he doesn’t have control over me like he once did.

But the reason doesn’t matter. I’m finally free.