Page 42 of How to Break My Heart 1

“Look, I’d rather not waste my breath talking about him. I’m starving, shall we eat?”

The rest of the dinner is enjoyable. If there’s one thing the chef does well, it’s the soft tacos with slow-cooked brisket. I polish off three plus another two margaritas, and things start feeling slightly blurry by the night’s end.

Marco leans in, placing his hand on mine. “I enjoyed tonight.”

“Me too.” I grin.

“I would love to invite you back to my place for a drink, but unfortunately, I have an early appointment in the morning.” He raises his hands with a mischievous grin. “I promise, I am not making that up.”

“Are you sure?” I tease.

He leans in again, this time closer so our lips are almost touching. I press my thighs together, unsure if it’s the proximity or the margarita making me dizzy. His hand rests on my knee, the light caresses teasing me beneath the table.

“I promise, Eva, I want to spend the night with you. But work—”

“I get it,” I reassure him. “You’re saving lives. There will be a next time.”

Marco takes care of the bill even though I offer my share, and as we step outside to say goodbye, a few families loiter near us. The kids run around in the cold, making loud noises while Marco stands closer with his hands holding on to my arms.

“I’ll call you,” he says softly, the warmth of his breath lingering between us. “Tomorrow?”

I punch him playfully. “You better, Dr. Wilde.”

And though I know our first kiss would have been perfect, the screaming kids are not. One falls over and sounds like they’re dying, so Marco kindly offers to look at the boo-boo.

This isnothow first kisses should go.

Thankfully, Marco picks up on my vibe and doesn’t pressure me into one.

My apartment is two blocks over, so I say goodbye and walk home, enjoying the brisk night air. It’s something I do often when I need to clear my head, and after the way tonight ended, plus Aston’s gate-crashing, my head needs to be cleared. Cinnamon Springs is one of the safest towns in the county, so I’m not afraid of strolling at night by myself.

That is, until I get to my apartment.

Is that a shadow?

My heart begins to race, panic setting in as I try to get a better look at the man standing near the door. God, I don’t even carry mace or anything to protect myself. What good are a tampon and some breath mints when I’m in danger?

As I step a bit closer, the hands running through the curly hair appear to be familiar.

I take larger steps, eyes wide in disbelief.

“Are you stalking me?” I accuse in a high-pitched tone.

Aston raises his brows, pursing his lips. “I would hardly call it stalking.”

The guy is relentless. It’s bad enough he put me in a sour mood this morning and earlier tonight, but now he just keeps going like he’s bored and has nothing better to do than to annoy me.

“Why are you here, Aston?”

“To prove a point to you,” he states matter-of-factly but then glances around. “I’m right. Though, your doctor friend is missing. Not enough game, huh?”

I shake my head in confusion. “Right about what?”

“A man and woman can’t just be friends,” he reminds me smugly.

Not this again.

I drop my gaze to the ground, granting myself patience to deal with whatever Aston is about to throw at me. One minute, I think he’s somewhat pleasant and cares about his sister, but the next, he acts like some jealous boyfriend who won’t let me play with other boys.