Page 56 of Wild Highway (Runaway 2)

“That was flirting. You smiled at her. You were laughing and whispering.”

“Yeah, she told me the guy three seats down smelled like cheese. I laughed because she’s funny and easy to hang out with.”

Long-time frien

d or not, I didn’t want to hear about how much he enjoyed another woman’s company. “You don’t laugh with me.”

“You’re not funny.”

I poked him in the pec. “I’m being serious.”

He scowled and rubbed the spot where I’d jabbed him. “So am I. Say something funny and I’ll laugh.”

“But I’m not funny.” The tears came again and this time, they just made me angry. “Goddamn it!”

He shook his head, coming closer as I furiously wiped my eyes dry. “You were jealous.”

“Yes,” I admitted. “I have some issues when it comes to men.”

“Let’s get one thing straight.” He clasped my shoulders, looming and waiting until he had my undivided attention. “There are no men. There’s one man. Me. And if you have an issue with me, we’ll sure as fuck talk it through.”

I dropped my head into my hands, the shame no doubt showing on my face. “Sorry.”

Easton took my wrists and pulled them away. “Should we talk about why you’ve been avoiding me this week?”

“You wouldn’t take me to your bed.” Apparently, there was no stopping the truth flood tonight.

“Huh?”

“You screwed me against the wall.” I flicked my wrist, motioning to said wall. “And made me come on that bench in your garage.”

“Three times.”

“Three times.” I rolled my eyes. “But you wouldn’t take me to your bedroom.”

He shook his head, blinking as he tried to make heads or tails of my nonsense. I didn’t blame him for the confused look on his face.

“Ugh. Never mind.” I threw my hands in the air. “I’m losing my fucking mind. Welcome to the mixed-up world of Gemma Lane. This actually feels like your fault. What are you doing to me?”

“The same thing you’re doing to me,” he grumbled. “Driving me fucking insane.”

I laughed.

It wasn’t funny but it was funny.

“I worked so hard to not be crazy. To not be my mother. I left her house and decided I would never be out of control again. I’d prove that I was better. So I worked hard and showed the world—myself—that I would never be her. I succeeded. I am a millionaire. I am in control of my destiny, and I am not the person she tried to make me. I am not her.”

“You’re not her.”

I shook my head. “No.”

There was a comfort in saying it out loud. And for the moment, that was enough to soothe some of my jagged edges.

Mortifying as it was, I was glad the person here to witness it was Easton.

“I’m sorry,” I said again. “Forget about all of this. Please.”

“I can’t do that.” He lifted his hand and cupped my cheek. “You said you don’t want to talk about it. I get that. But this is the second time you’ve cracked the door to your past, darlin’. I think it’s time to open up and let me in.”