by Michelle A. Valentine
Release: March 2014 (Specific date to be announced)
**Caution--Unedited--Not Final Version and Will Likely Change**
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His blue eyes
flash in surprise. I’m sure the way we left things last night has him wondering
why I’m suddenly so happy to see him. It’s amazing what a little soul searching
and a shove from your family can accomplish.
“Hey, Anna.
I…um…Shit.” Xavier rubs the back of his neck and looks away as if he needs a
moment to regain his composure before his eyes are able to meet mine again. “I
had fifty different speeches prepared for you. I practiced all on the way over,
but none of them sounded like good enough apologies. Nothing I can say will
make what I said any less shitty, but I am sorry. I just
thought you should know.”
For some reason
I’m getting the impression that this is a huge step for Xavier. It’s good to
know he’s at least trying to recognize that there’s enough of a connection
between us that he’s worried that he’s hurt my feelings. I’m sure the word
sorry isn’t one that he says a lot.
The sudden need to
comfort him overwhelms me. I reach out and touch the warm skin on his bulging
forearm. “I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t have pushed you.”
His lips pull into
a tight line. “Don’t do that.”
“What?” I ask,
completely surprised and immediately jerk my hand away. This isn’t exactly the
reaction I imagined when I apologized in return.
Xavier’s eyes soften. “You were right to say what you
said. I know I use women, and I’m sure that’s probably what you think I want to
do with you. So don’t apologize for taking up for yourself. Never allow
yourself to be used or be forced into something you don’t really want. Don’t
apologize for asking for respect. You deserve it.”
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