Page 65 of Completely Captivated
Before I fell asleep, doubt had seized control of my thoughts and convinced me of one thing.When he was in San Diego, he hooked up with one of the beautiful, sexy, successful models—and I didn’t compare.
I knew if I tried to explain my irrational insecurities to Allie, she’d call me a pussy.At least.Then she’d go on a thirty-minute rant to outline all the ways I’m an idiot.
She’d try to convince me I was wrong about not taking a chance on Aaron.It wasn’t that I was afraid she’s wrong.I was afraid she’d be right.I was afraid I’d fall even more in love with him than I was right then.
I was afraid he’d leave me.
I was afraid.Period.
A knock on my door drew my attention, and my first thought was of Aaron.I’d already showered and was wearing my comfortable pajamas, but I couldn’t help but hope it was him.
When I looked through the peephole, I saw an uncharacteristically disheveled Jared standing on the other side.A confrontation with him over Aaron was the last thing I wanted, but I’d rather get it over with than allow it to linger between us.
“Jared.What are you doing here?”
“Christa, we have to talk.”The smell of alcohol hit me from the few words he spoke.He ran his hand through his hair, leaving it even messier than a moment before.
“Okay.Come on in.”
He breezed past me and sat on the couch.No sooner did he sit, than he jumped right back up and paced as I walked toward him.When his eyes finally locked on mine, I noticed they were bloodshot and glassy.
“Jared, did you drive over here like this?”
“No, the taxi just dropped me off.”
My brows drew downward before I even realized a“what the fuck”expression covered my face.“Why would you have a taxi drop you off here so late?And when you’re drunk?”
“Christa, don’t throw away our chance to be together.We’ve waited too long for this.I saw you with him last night.You’re falling right into his trap again.”
“You’re not making any sense.He’s not trapping me.For what?What do I have he’d possibly want to use me for?”
“He doesn’t love you like I do.Dating him will only cause you more heartache.You have to cut the ties with him.We can be happy together.”
“Jared, you and I are friends.That’s all.At one time, I had a schoolgirl crush on you, but now you’re more like a brother to me.I’m sorry, but I just don’t feel the same.”
“That’s only because of him.Spend the night with me.Give me a chance.”
“No, Jared.You’re not spending the night.Let me call a cab for you.”
“Kiss me.Kiss me, and tell me you feel nothing for me at all.”
He took a step toward me, and I put both hands up in front of me, palms out.“Stop, Jared.Right now.”
My phone pinged with a text at that exact second.
“Is that him?”Jared demanded.
Without turning my back on a drunk Jared, I stepped back a couple of steps and grabbed my phone.
Aaron:I miss you so much.I’d love to be there with you right now.
For the first time in the last six weeks of messages, I sent a reply.Please come over.Now.Would feel safer.
Aaron:I’m on my way.What happened?
Me:Drunk friend won’t leave.
Aaron:Yes, he fucking will.
