Undeniable by Abby Reynolds Read Free Book Online Page B

I’ll see you tomorrow?”
    “Definitely.”
     
    Jace picked me up at eight. “Are you ready?” he asked.
    “It wouldn’t matter if I wasn’t. I’m starving.” I grabbed my purse then stepped out the door.
    He chuckled. “Then let’s go.”
    Since we were outside my door, I grabbed the front of his shirt and kissed him. I hoped my perverted neighbor would see it and lay off.
    “What was that for?” he whispered.
    “Just because.” I slapped his ass then walked away.
    We drove to our favorite Italian place then walked through the entrance. We went here pretty often, at least twice a month. It was where we had our first date, so it held a special place in our hearts.
    “Reservations?” the host asked Jace.
    “Yes, for two.”
    The host looked at the list.
    Jace suddenly had a pale look on his face. He didn’t react overtly, but I noticed his eyes were wider. “Actually, nevermind. Thank you anyway.”
    Huh?
    The host looked just as confused as I did. “Sir, we have a table ready for you.”
    “I’m actually not feeling well.” He grabbed my hand and practically dragged me out of the restaurant. Once we were outside, he let my hand go.
    “What’s wrong?” I asked immediately.
    He kept walking to the parking lot. “I just don’t feel well…”
    That was random. Jace never got sick and he never complained about pain. It must be serious. “Do you need to go to the hospital?”
    “No, I’m fine,” he said quickly. He got my door opened and waited for me to sit down. He looked over his shoulder, like he was searching for someone, and then turned back to me. “Come on, baby.”
    Why was he acting so weird? I did as he asked and sat down.
    He got into the driver’s seat then pulled out of the parking lot, heading back to my apartment.
    “Are you sure you don’t need to see a doctor?”
    “No.” He kept glancing in the rearview mirror.
    “What is it? Is it your stomach?”
    “It’s…yeah, that’s it.”
    “We can get some saltines and soda at the store.”
    “No, I’m good.” He headed back to my apartment then parked the car. “I hate to bail but I think I’m going to head home.”
    All of this happened so suddenly. “Is there something I can do?”
    “No. I’ll be fine.” He leaned over and kissed me on the cheek. “But I should probably get home.”
    “Okay. Well…call me if you need anything.”
    “Sure.”
    I got out of the car then watched him drive away. Once he was out of my line of sight, I processed what just happened. He was so jumpy and skittish. I’d never seen him act that way before.
    Then the familiar white BMW pulled up.
    I rolled my eyes, knowing exactly whom it belonged to.
    He got out of the car and locked it. He was wearing his scrubs so I knew he just got off work. “Why are you standing outside like that?”
    “Because it’s a free country,” I snapped.
    “Ooh. What a good comeback.” The sarcasm was heavy in his voice. “We live in a nice neighborhood, but you really shouldn’t stand in the dark alone. That’s just some friendly advice.”
    “You’ve never been friendly to me.”
    He stood on the sidewalk, staring at me.
    “What?” What was he looking at?
    “I’m waiting so I can walk you to your door.”
    “I can walk myself.”
    “I realize that…but I’m trying to be a gentleman.”
    “You couldn’t be one if you tried,” I snapped.
    “Geez, are you this hostile to everyone?”
    “Just to people I don’t like.”
    “Hitler was nicer to people he didn’t like.” He stared me down.
    “You’re comparing me to Hitler? Seriously?”
    “The similarities are striking…”
    I turned away and headed to my stairs. “You’re such a jerk.”
    “No, I’m not. You just have unrealistic expectations of people.”
    “I really don’t,” I said sadly. I got my key in the door. “Good night, Ashley .”
    “Don’t call me that.” His voice filled with anger.
    “It’s your name, right?”
    “It’s Ash,” he said firmly.