30 Days by K Larsen Read Free Book Online Page A

gropes me openly and it’s embarrassing. If we’re in public I have to pretend to be too intoxicated to notice his awful behavior. It’s a wonder he hasn't been in a drunken brawl yet.
     
    He also drives drunk. I try to convince him to let me drive but sometimes it just starts a bigger fight between us. My parent’s lives were cut short by a drunk driver. It’s how Ryan and I met- at a benefit to raise money for a don't drink and drive campaign. My life over the last four years with him has become a shirt storm so thick that I can't see my way out. He loves me. I know he does. He loves me the only way he knows how and it would wreck him if I left him. Still, it’s not enough to stay, I know, but I do anyways.
     
    He’s that guy who torments little kids and finds it amusing. Kicks dogs when no one’s looking or tosses a cat harshly. The guy with no filter who tells raunchy jokes and doesn't understand when no one laughs. The passive aggressive guy who’s mean, cutting remarks are masked in teasing so that others think he’s funny. The guy who will pick up the pot of soup on the stove and dump it on the floor or you after claiming it tastes like shit. I have small burn marks from where it splattered still.
     
    It’s exhausting really, living with it. Excusing it. Overlooking it. Tolerating it.

 
    PRESENT             
    DAY 6
     
    I wake up early giving myself enough time to eat and get ready before I’m due at the gym. My nerves are on edge. One part of me can’t wait to see him again but another part keeps reminding me that I’m not prepared to have a connection with someone. My only goal was to escape Ryan and attempt to accomplish my list. I don't know how long it will last, if Ryan’s still looking for me or if I’m caught what will come of it. Everything's up in the air. Emotions swirl around inside of me but the one that keeps coming to the forefront is that I want to trust Colin. I want him to know me.
     
    “Back for more.” John greets me when I enter the gym.
    “Yup. Can’t seem to stay away.” I tease.
    “Colin’s waiting for you.” He nods in Colin’s direction. The man never fails to take my breath away. He’s seated on the mat by the bag we were at yesterday, an ear to ear grin on his face. His hazel eyes burn into mine as I make my way over to him.
    “Morning.” I say shyly.
    “Morning. Glad you came back.”
    “I told you I would.”
    “Yeah well... I wasn’t a hundred percent convinced you would.” He says honestly.
    I sit next to him on the mat and start stretching. Every once in a while glancing up and catching him staring at me.
    “What?” I ask finally.
    He shakes his head and smiles coyly. “I just can't seem to take my eyes off you.” The blush that crawls up my neck tells me my face must be bright red.
    “Ready?” He asks smirking.
    “Yes.” He pulls me up by the hand and tapes my wrists, his fingers lingering when he’s finished.
    “I want to work on combinations today.” He tells me.
     
    For the next hour I perfect my jab, cross, hook until sweat is dripping down my back. By the time I’m out of the locker room and feeling a little less swampy I’ve decided to ask Colin over for dinner. For some reason I’m feeling bold. He walks me to the door, hand at the small of my back as always.
    “See you tomorrow, same time?” He asks hopefully.
    “Actually. I was wondering if you’d like to have dinner with me tonight.” I keep my eyes trained on his shoes. Two fingers come to my chin lifting it to his face.
    “I’d love to.” He says softly. I try to keep my face splitting smile from emerging but it’s a lost cause.
    “Really?”
    “Elle, I told you I wanted to get to know you. I meant it.” He states. “What time should I come over?” His dimple makes a brief appearance making the thoughts in my head jumble.
    “Ah… right…c an you come for six? I’d like to cook you dinner.” I tell him. His eyes sparkle as his fingers drift