Page 40 of Foul Territory

He takes a small step toward me and tips my chin. “Sydney,” he says, and his tone is apologetic. “I said it was a mistake to kiss you like that. I’m still not sorry for kissing you.It was the only thing I could think of at the moment. That guy wasn’t taking a hint.”

“It’s fine. I’m over it.” I unzip my bag and fish out my keys.

“I don’t want you to be over it. I want…” his voice trails off.

“To be honest, I don’t really care what you want seeing as you've never once cared about what I wanted.” I poke a finger at my chest.

“That isn’t true and you know it.”

“Do I? Your words and actions say otherwise. All you do is show up where you aren’t needed.” I step into his personal space this time.

“You needed me the other night. Who knows what that guy would have done if I wasn’t there.” He practically growls the words. A family of four walk past us reminding me that we are in public.

“Can we not do this right now? I don’t want to hear what you think about me working at Ray’s. You’ve voiced your hatred for the place enough over the last few months. I’ve heard you loud and clear.”

“Yet, you chose to ignore me.”

“That’s because you aren’t the boss of me.” I meet his glare. My phone buzzes against my hip in my bag. A much needed interruption.

Checking my notifications, I see a new email from the cosmetics company I reached out to about starting my makeup and skin care brand. I can’t stop the smile on my face. They’re willing to answer any questions I have and mentor me. This is a greatfirst step.

“Good news?” Koa asks.

“Yes,” I reply, closing out my email. I’ll write them back when I get home and can put together a clear thought.

“That’s not much of an answer.”

“That’s the only answer you are going to get.” I drop my phone in my bag and walk back toward the bookstore.

“Where are you going?”

I turn to face him and continue taking slow steps backwards. “You promised me a coffee and we have a party to plan.”

It’s possible I might regret this decision later. I’ll blame my lack of judgment on the email I just received and not the fact there might be a small part of the old me that wants to spend more time with him.

8

KOA

Sydney walks back toward the bookstore with her ponytail of curls bouncing with every step. She has on one of her signature pair of jeans that is painted in a multitude of colors and a loose fitting floral top that skims her midriff.

At first glance you would think the patterns and colors clash, but she makes it work. She’s never been afraid to be seen or stand out.

“Why don’t you find us a table? I’ll order our drinks.” I pass her the shopping bag with her books inside.

“You trust me with these?” she asks, taking the bag with careful hands. I don’t know if it’s because she’s trying to avoid touching me or because she's protecting her books.

“I do. Go ahead. I’m sure you’re dying to crack them open and look at the pages.” I place my hands on her shoulders and spin her around. “I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

She takes one last glance at me over her shoulder before she finds a table in the middle of the cafe. She excitedly pulls out one of the books from her bag and admires the cover. Her fingers trace over the illustrations while she smiles like a kid in a candy store.

I had a feeling I would find her here. After I texted her several times with no response, I figured she was hiding out at one of her favorite places. I keep messing up with her. The only thing I know how to do is make her angry or guilt her into spending time with me.

I move up a spot in line and place our order. I hope she still likes the sweet caramel drink she used to get. It’s been a long time since I’ve had the privilege to buy her an iced coffee.

Sydney snaps a selfie with one of her books and taps away on her phone. Once she’s done, she goes right back to reading. Her lips twitch trying to hold back her reaction to the words she’s reading on the page. She’s always been a pro at keeping a poker face when it comes to reading.

You would never be able to tell if she was reading about someone falling in love or someone getting chased by a serial killer. Shit, in some of her books it’s probably one in the same.