Chapter 22
Mia
“Ready?” Killian asks, standing in the doorway to the bedroom.
I turn to face him, nodding.
You know things are weird if I’m actually excited to go to this charity event tonight and meet Killian’s entire extended family.
“You look pretty,” he says, his eyes roaming over my body. I feel a rush of heat from his words, and I smile at him.
“Thanks.”
I don’t want things to be weird. I really don’t. But they have been ever since we hooked up during the snowstorm on Tuesday.
I passed out while we were in the tub, and I woke up Wednesday morning in Killian’s arms.
I thought that what happened between us might have shifted our dynamic, but if anything, it only made Killian pull away harder after.
To be fair, I took a step back, too. What happened between us during the snowstorm was intense. I’ve never felt as close to Killian as I did that night. It scared me. Terrified me, even.
So, we both pulled back. And now it’s just awkward.
The two of us make our way out to his car together. It might be nice to be out and around other people. It’s been just the two of us and I need some space from Killian so I can breathe. It’s hard to think clearly when he’s so close to me.
I can’t remember what the charity event tonight is for, but I know that it’s at a restaurant. Killian already confirmed that Farrah would not be there, and he promised not to leave my side.
Once I meet his parents tonight, we’ll start with the wedding planning going forward.
I’m worried about that, but not for the reason that you might think.
I’m worried because I’m in love with Killian. And my heart is going to be broken in the end, because he doesn’t feel the same way.
Fuck, I think as I stare out the window.
The urge to flee is strong.
How can I marry a man that I’m falling for knowing that he’ll never love me? That’s torturous.
Killian hates me, and what happened between us on Tuesday was purely sexual. It wasn’t for me, but he doesn’t know that.
But despite knowing this, I know I’m not going to run. I couldn’t do that to him again. I’d rather break my own heart than ever hurt him again.
We pull up to the restaurant now, and I force myself to take a deep breath.
I can get through tonight. I know that. I’ve gotten through much worse.
I’ll be fine.
Once we park, Killian comes around to my side of the car and opens the door for me. When he gives me his hand, I take it, and the two of us make our way inside together.
I plaster a smile on my face, hoping that it’s believable, as I brace myself to meet Killian’s family.