Love & Hate (Book Two: Love) by JJ Dorn Read Free Book Online Page A

confidence.
    Holden pays for our tickets and we head into the theater to find our seats. The place is packed because it is the opening day of the new Transformers movie. Thankfully, we have arrived early enough to get good seats. We pick the perfect spot in the middle of the massive room.
    “ Do you want any snacks or a drink?” Holden asks as we settle into our seats.
    “ Umm…maybe a Coke. I’m still really full from dinner.”
    “ Alright, I’ll be right back.” I watch as Holden walks in front of the theater and out the exit.
    I begin to check my phone to see if I have any new messages. I’m half way through scrolling through my Facebook feed when I hear that dark sexy laugh. Crap of all craps. What are the chances?
    I look up to find Cutter and Laney arm in arm searching for seats. I sink lower in my seat hoping to go unnoticed. Luckily, they choose a spot a few rows in front of me. I relax a bit knowing they won’t be sitting right next to Holden and me.
    Call it a sick curiosity or an utter lack of self-preservation, but I couldn’t help it, I had to watch them. I studied their every interaction trying to decipher its exact meaning. Like the way she would playfully punch his arm, clearly an attempt to flirt with him, or the way he would share his drink with her. But the worst was when the lights started to dim and she snuggled up next to him leaning her head on his shoulder. That broke me. I couldn’t sit here and watch any of it anymore. I was just about to stand to leave when I saw Holden enter the theater with my drink and a bag of popcorn. You can do this Paige, just focus on Holden. He is good for you.
    I guess I should have considered maybe Cutter would recognize Holden; after all he did attempt to beat the hell out of him. As Holden passes in front of where Cutter and Laney are sitting, I notice Cutter sit up straight in his seat watching Holden like how a lion would stalk his prey. Oh crap the jig is up!
    Holden is completely unaware as he climbs the stairs that Cutter is tracking his every movement. I feel like I should warn Holden or something but there is no time. Holden turns down the aisle towards me and I quickly steal a glance back at Cutter. Big mistake.
    I watch as Cutter makes the connection that Holden and I are here together. His face flashes with anger as his eyes catch mine. I know I have no reason to feel bad, but I do.
    Holden sets our drinks down and settles in next to me. He is completely ignorant to the hostility that is occurring around him. I’m glad he hasn’t caught on. I would hate for there to be another repeat of what happened on the cruise.
    The movie starts and I finally exhale a bit. Holden finds my hand on the arm rest next to his and tucks it into his. It feels nice and it is the exact thing I need to get my mind off the resident dickwad sitting two rows up. I’m thankful for Holden and his ability to steal my focus, even if it is for just a short time.

    The movie was pretty good; I still will always love the first Transformers the most. Holden seemed to have really enjoyed it. He was engrossed staring at the screen the entire time. I unfortunately had another movie that was holding part of my attention. It was definitely a horror flick. For the majority of the movie I sat and watched Laney Davis lean and cuddle against Cutter’s side. At one point Cutter even bent over and kissed her on the forehead. I immediately felt a sharp pain in my gut like I may lose my dinner, or worse, I might cry. I had to resort to counting the lights on the wall to preoccupy my mind enough to prevent my emotions from bursting out. I had held it together and now it was time to exit the theater.
    I stall a bit hoping to give us enough time to avoid Cutter and Laney who will be making their own exit. After riffling through my purse for my phone I finally think I have given us enough time. I stare at where I had last seen Cutter and I am relieved that I no longer see him. I let out a deep