Have you heard “Wanted” by Hunter Haynes?
Audrey shook her head as she wrote back, I haven’t, why?
Download it, I am learning to play it for you.
A smile came across her face. You are?
I am. I love you, Audrey.
Tears came quick to her eyes. She couldn’t blame it on her hormones because she knew damn well she would never love anyone the way she loved him. Wiping away the tears, she typed back: And I love you. So much more. See you soon.
Very soon.
Her heartbeat kicked up as she jumped out of the car and gathered her things. While making her way up the walkway, she went over what she needed to do first, which was put the chicken in the oven. She also needed to put the ultrasound picture in the frame that she had bought. She was running late and hoped she could at least get the cupcakes halfway done before Tate got there.
She was almost to the door when she heard the gravel crunch in the driveway. She thought it was Lucas dropping Tate off, but when she turned, she saw Levi jump out of his car and come toward her.
“Levi?”
He looked up and smiled. “Audrey, I’m sorry to come unannounced but I need to talk to you. Here, let me help you,” he said, taking the grocery bags despite her protest. He walked past her to the door and waited as she unlocked the door.
“Tate is going to be home soon,” she said as he walked passed her, laying her things on the counter as she shut the door. “You need to be gone before he gets here. What do you need to talk about?”
He turned, leaning against the kitchen island, and said, “You told me you’d always be there for me.”
Something wasn’t right. He looked worried, his eyes wild, and he was sweating. She could tell that something was definitely off. As she set her purse and keys down on the counter, she noticed that his hands were shaking too. She had spent eight months with this man and had never seen him so upset. “What’s wrong?” she asked.
“I need you, Audrey. I can’t go on without you anymore,” he gasped, coming to her. Before she could pull back, he took her hands in his. “I love you.” She took in a sharp breath as his wild eyes held her. “I love you so much and I can’t go on another day without you. I need you to be mine again, Audrey. I miss our life, and you were right, we were meant to be together.”
Eight months ago she would have cared, but not now. And Levi’s behavior was so odd. His grip got tighter and his breathing quickened. He seemed totally out of control. Why was he saying this now?
She never questioned Tate’s motives, but she didn’t trust anything Levi said. Something was just not right. What was he after? She looked up into his eyes and said, “I’m sorry, Levi, but I don’t feel the same. I love someone else.”
“No, you love me. No one will love you but me.”
“No, I love Tate,” she said, “and he loves me.”
“No you don’t, we are meant to be together,” he said with annoyance.
“No, I’m meant to be with Tate,” she said, stepping back. “I don’t know what is wrong with you, Levi, but I don’t feel comfortable with you here anymore. You need to leave!”
“Don’t talk to me like that,” he yelled, taking a step toward her.
Quickly, she moved around him, heading toward the door, her heart pounding. She threw it open before looking back at him. She didn’t like the way Levi’s eyes were full of anger or the way his hands were clenched into fists. He needed to leave now.
“No!” he shouted. “I’m not going anywhere! You will fucking love me. I love you and you will love me, you slut. And if you don’t love me, I will make sure no one will be able to love you. You fucking bitch!”
“Go,” she screamed, trying to be stronger than what she felt. She was scared out of her mind, and hoped he wouldn’t do anything. “Don’t ever come back either. I don’t love you, and I want nothing to do with you. Now leave.”