Page 113 of Surviving Slater

"You okay?" Matthew asked when we left the pub and he threw an arm around my shoulders. I leaned against him as we walked.

"Yeah, I'll be okay."

I just needed time to find a way to deal with my feelings for Slater and find a way to love him less. There had to be a way.

Matthew stayed in the apartment, using the spare room. We stayed up and drank hot chocolate before calling it a night.

The next morning, with my hair still in disarray, I followed the smell of coffee to the kitchen.

"Morning," I said to Matthew, who was leaning against the counter and holding his cup of coffee.

I poured myself some too and breathed it in before turning to face him.

"Hi." His dimpled grin made me smile.

I was sad he wasn't going to stay longer. Having him around lessened the heaviness of what I was feeling.

"Do you have to go back today?" I asked, hoping there might still be a chance he could stay, even if it was just for one more day.

"Yes."

I pressed my lips together. Levi entered the kitchen.

"Coffee," he mumbled, heading straight to pour himself some of the soothing dark liquid.

There was a knock at the door.

"I'll get it," Matthew said as he left to answer it.

"Now I know why you miss him so much," Levi said after taking his first sip of the coffee Matthew made.

I smiled at him.

"I don't think it's a good idea," I heard Matthew say. Levi looked at me, and I shrugged. Curious, I stepped into the hallway to see Slater in the doorway. Our eyes met and I felt that familiar feeling of renewed hurt.

What was he doing here?

"I want to talk to Jordan," he said while his eyes held mine. The determined look he gave me told me he wasn't going to leave without talking to me.

Matthew turned to me, and I nodded, so he let him in.

"We can talk in my room," I said, turning to walk there. I put my coffee down on the table and turned to face him. I tried to tidy my hair, aware I was still dressed in my pajamas and I hadn't even brushed my hair yet. I had managed to brush my teeth. He closed the door behind him. His presence sucked the air out of the room and I found it more difficult to breathe. I wasn't going to allow him to affect me so I fought to appear to be unaffected by him.

Being alone with him wasn't ideal but I didn't want to have a conversation with him in front of Matthew and Levi.

"Why are you here?" I asked him, crossing my arms.

He remained silent as he studied me. Even though I felt so much hurt and anger toward him, my heart fluttered at the sight of him.

"We need to talk," he said. I frowned.

"I have nothing to say to you," I said, shutting him down.

"Just let me say what I need to and if you want me to leave I will."

I looked down at my watch. "You have five minutes."

"I was wrong to handle the situation like I did. I wasn't thinking straight." He looked so vulnerable I fought the urge to protect him. Remembering how he had treated me the last time was enough for me to stay strong.