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“What do you mean stay away from each other?”

“What do you mean date?”

Again, we spoke simultaneously. I take a deep breath and shake my head because even I can’t believe I said that shit, or what I’m about to say.

“I know what I told you. I’m not saying I’ve magically changed, but I’m willing to try. It won’t be easy for me, but I’ll try.”

“Why the sudden change of heart?”

“I like you. I know it doesn’t sound like much, but it’s been a long time since I’ve been able to say that about anyone. I’d rather explore that than let you go and regret it later.”

“How can you be sure you won’t regretexploring?”

That’s a good question. I take a long, hard look at her and for some reason, I doubt that I will.

“I won’t. Trust me.”

CHAPTER 11

***Raven***

Trust me. I’ve heard those words before.Why should I trust him? Why should I give up everything for him when he’s not even sure he can do it?He made it very clear on the day we met just what he wanted.

“You keep forgetting one important detail.”

“What’s that?”

“Christopher.”

“He’snotimportant,” he counters.

“He’s important to me.”

“You said you don’t love him.”

“I do. And he loves me,” I answer, but my voice is lacking conviction.

“So you love him. Are youin lovewith him?”

As much as I want to say yes, the word won’t leave my mouth. I love him as a person, and even though there’s an attraction, it’s not like what I feel with Gage. Not even close.

“It doesn’t matter. I can’t be with you.” I pull my hands from his and head to the kitchen. I just need to get away from him. I can’t think when he’s close, and I need my wits about me.

“Why?”

I turn to see him leaning on the door jamb.So much for getting some space.“Because.”

“That’s not an answer. It’s obviously not the boy.”

He moves forward, backing me up against the counter and trapping me with his hands on either side.

“Is it the age difference?”

“No.”

And it isn’t. I haven’t even given a thought to his age. How could I when I can barely think at all around him?

“Is it the club?”