My heart stopped for a second and my throat constricted as my eyes got blurry with moisture. He wanted me and I threw it all away because of lies and my own insecurities. I’d been so focused at keeping the walls up around my heart, so that no one could hurt me again, that I’d made it so I was the one who hurt myself. I think Axel could tell I was trying to hold my tears back because he stepped closer and pulled me into his chest in a tight hug.
“I came here tonight, hoping I’d find you and we could fix things and move forward,” he said into my hair. My body shook as I bit back a sob. God, I missed him and wanted him. I’d messed everything up so badly. Why was life so unfair? “I guess I’ll be happy just knowing that you know the truth and how I feel. Hunter is one lucky guy, if you’re happy with him I won’t try to come between you two. But know Leah, I’m here and I’ll always be here for you.” He kissed my forehead lightly, just once and lingered there, neither one of us moving. I didn’t want it to end. “I guess you should get back to him, he’s probably worried about where you are,” Axel said, letting go of me all too soon. He broke the connection and I nodded, my heart hurting. “Bye Leah,” he said and walked away, taking a piece of my heart with him.
I stood by myself for a moment, gathering my breathing and trying to get a hold of myself and not break down into a mess on the floor. After a few deep breaths, I made my way back to Hunter and his friends at the table. They all sat in the same places as when I had left, all still in deep conversation. I sat down and Hunter smiled at me briefly before focusing back on what was being said. He didn’t notice the tears hidden in my eyes and the fake smile plastered on my face. I looked to the dance floor and saw Jenny dancing with some guy and Anne grinding on another. It seemed all my friends were having a good night but me. I didn’t want to be a downer and ruin the night for everyone, so I decided to go to the bar and get one more drink before I headed off. I couldn’t leave this early without getting an earful from the girls and an interrogation, neither of which I could handle at the moment. I got my drink, a Cosmopolitan and was walking back to the table, when a flash of yellow stepped in front of me. Chelsea. She stood blocking my path, her eyes wide and sad like a puppy dog. I actually hadn’t thought my night could get any worse until this moment.
“I’m not trying to ruin your night,” she started. “I just wanted to say I’m so sorry about what I did with Chris. I have regretted it every day and I wish with all my heart I could take it back,” she told me. “I miss you Lee,” she said, looking ready to bawl. She wasn’t the only one.
“Chelsea,” I said slowly, “You hurt me, you were my best friend and you betrayed me in the worst way. I was more hurt by what you did than that Chris had cheated on me. I lost you and I had no one,” I told her, needing to get the words off my chest. “I’m still not over what you did and I honestly may never be,” I told her. “Thank you for your apology but I can’t be your friend after what you did,” I finished. She nodded like she expected as much and walked away.
Wow, tonight had been a mess of an emotional roller coaster. I’d been hit at all angles and it was a wonder I was still standing. I made it back to the table and deflated into the chair. I chugged down my drink, awaiting the sweet numbing release of my senses and emotions. I needed to sleep after all of this emotional turmoil.
“Hunter,” I said, trying to capture his attention. He looked up at me, as if only really seeing me for the first time tonight.
“What’s up?” Hunter asked, finally focusing on me.
“I’m not feeling too great. I need to go home,” I told him. He didn’t even try to hide the disappointment from his face.
“It’s still early,” he said, looking at his watch, upset.
“You can stay and have fun but I need to go,” I told him firmly. I wasn’t going to stay and put myself through this any longer. I’d been itching to leave ever since my run in with Chris, not to mention everything that followed.
“I’m going to stay,” he declared.
“Okay, have a good night,” I told him and got up and left. I was a little surprised by his decision. I didn’t bother giving him a peck goodbye; I was in too much of a pissy mood. Hunter made no attempt to walk me out or make sure I made it out okay. I stumbled out the front door, my heel getting caught as I exited. I was caught by a pair of warm strong hands. I looked up into the beautiful green gems and it was like a déjà vu from all those months ago in Munich. Axel stared down at me, his expression soft. He was always there when I needed him to save me.
“Thanks” I breathed out. “I really have got to get better at this whole walking thing,” I joked with a smile. He chuckled at that, still holding me protectively.
“I don’t mind catching you,” he flirted back. “Where are you going?” he asked looking around, seeing that I was in fact alone again.
“Home, it’s been quite the night and I’m not in the mood.” He nodded at my statement.
“Alone?” he questioned,
