Chapter 20

Nolan

I stared at my phone,at the text thread that remained empty. He hadn't texted me, and I hadn't made a move to do so either. Instead, I'd only stared at that blank text bubble all day as if I could magically wield the words on screen. Words that would somehow fix this, erase my embarrassing behavior, and put us back to square one.

In the woods.

Where I could lose the race, and the chance to have ever been so close to such perfection. Where I could exist not knowing how good his lips tasted against mine.

I set the phone down on the bar as I pushed away for a moment, grabbing my beer as I glanced around the room.

I didn't come to M's Place often, but after feeling like shit all day at work about everything—my botched date, my job, my life in general—I didn't want to go home.

When I found myself in front of the bar, I didn't question it. It wasn't the same as being with someone, or talking to someone, but it beat going home alone to wallow.

Wallowing at a bar is what normal people do anyway, isn't it?

That was when I saw him.

With someone else.

Instinctively, I felt a sting of jealousy, mixed with sadness and anger.

I knew I didn't have a claim on Dawson, that he was free to do whatever he wanted with whoever he wanted, but even knowing that I couldn't help it.

Especially when the guy he was with was absolutely gorgeous compared to me. Toned, defined form, golden blond hair... He looked like a Calvin Klein model or something. Not to mention the two seemed pretty comfortable with one another, smiling and laughing.

Which only made me feel worse.

How could I have been so stupid?

Dawson had said he hadn't been on a date in awhile, and I wanted to believe him, but was I that easily played?

He probably told all the guys that. It was probably part of his charm or act.

I drained the last of my beer, feeling like I needed to get out of the place.

Away from the sight of Dawson with Mr. Perfect.

So, I threw my cash on the counter, with a nice tip of course, considering I'd only bought the one drink, but that was all I needed, and honestly, after seeing Dawson with his date, it was all I could stomach.