Page 106 of Drive

And where there is smoke . . .

It was like an electric jolt.

I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply before I lifted them to meet the watchful eyes of Reid Crowne. He’d been standing there for hours judging by the amount of cigarette butts that lay scattered around my porch.

He crushed his cigarette under his boot as I let my eyes drift up. Shock resonated as I saw he looked . . . healthier. He’d gained a few pounds. His hair stuck out underneath a gray beanie that matched his long johns shirt, and it looked sexy as hell on him. His jaw had filled out, too, and was covered in thick stubble but trimmed neatly on all sides. I was wordless as the air spiked with familiar tension. My mouth failed me. Words failed me. In his eyes, I saw curiosity and relief. And then his lips upturned.

No.

After a silent minute, his eyes flicked to the suitcase I set outside the door.

“Going somewhere?”

I took a step out in the freezing cold. My socks drenched in the chill the minute they hit the pavement.

“What are you doing here?”

He smirked and I died inside.

No. Please. No. Don’t smirk. Don’t smile. Don’t look at me!

“That’s a mighty sexy nightie you have on there, Grenade. Will the rest of the retirement home be joining you tonight?”

“Reid, cut the shit. What are you doing here?”

“Can I come in? It’s fucking freezing out here.” He blew hot air into his fists.

“No,” I said and shut the door behind me, blocking my apartment.

“Okay,” he said and shoved his hands into his jeans.

I just stared at him in my crazy muumuu, my hair piled on top of my head in a messy bun.

“I just wanted to talk a minute.”

“I thought we said it all.” My voice had bite. I was bitter. I had Nate. I had no reason to be bitter.

“Stop looking at me like that,” he said, his voice low.

“Like what?”

“Like I’m a caged animal. Like you’re afraid of me,” he said, taking a step forward. I winced.

“Damn it,” he snapped. “It’s me, Stella. I’m not here to hurt you.”

The tension built in my chest as I tried to tamp down my emotion. It was bitterness, resentment, and a lot of anger. Anger I hadn’t realized I was still holding on to.

“Stella,” he said softly. “I’ve wanted to call you so many times.

“But you didn’t,” I said with a sharp nod. “You look great. I’m glad you’re doing okay. Congratulations. Happy New Year, Reid.” I slammed the door behind me, and a second later, it hit my ass with a thud and pushed me forward.

“Stop,” he snapped, shutting it behind him.

I whirled on him. “You don’t get to tell me to stop! You don’t get to tell me shit!”

My neighbors’ party was audible between our walls and a collective ring of laughter sounded through them. I was supposed to go to bed after I spoke to Nate. I had plans. Reid was screwing up my plans, and I was tempted to join my neighbors just to get away from him. He stared at me like he could see through my robe. In a defensive move, I slid my arms around my stomach and gripped my sides.

All I thought about was fleeing, even though it felt like I waited an eternity to see him again. I used to pray for the day he would show up to my door.