by K. Lyn
“That what, Leah?”
“Does he know that he hurts people?” she finished, her voice cracking a little.
“It’s hard to say. He may think he is unworthy of love, or unlovable, and that by keeping people at a distance no one will get hurt.” He noticed the sad look on Leah’s face. “Don’t feel sorry for him, Leah. That isn’t what he needs nor is it what he wants.”
“What does he need and want?”
“He doesn’t know, but I hope some day he figures it out.”
When they passed by the university, not stopping at the dorm, Leah realized how much Jack had been affected by Camden’s casual use of people. From now on not only would she be sharing her life with Jack; she would be sharing an apartment with him as well. At Jack’s apartment, he carried her bag inside. The place was neat and tidy, dusted and scrubbed, and Leah stood in the kitchen with her mouth open.
Jack acted as though nothing had changed. “I have reservations at my favorite place.”
Leah looked a bit skeptical. “No, it’s not the bar. But don’t get used to it. I’m on a shoestring budget.”
Leah smiled and reached for Jack’s hand. The restaurant, fortunately, was not black tie, as the two university coeds were in jeans, but it was very nice. Leah and Jack were seated in a corner in the back where a candle was lit for romantic ambience. There were no snide remarks or sharp retorts tonight. Tonight nothing would come between them.
When they left the restaurant, Leah was gazing out of the car window and didn’t notice the couple that had nearly crossed their paths. The well dressed couple entered the restaurant only minutes after Leah and Jack left the little booth where they had promised to love each other forever. Jack had noticed them, and he sped up to spare Leah further heartbreak. He would do anything to protect her from the man who had killed his sweet Shauna. Camden had killed Shauna as surely as if he had pulled the trigger himself, and tonight the debonair man who could have any man or woman he desired had entered the restaurant with a woman.
~K. Lyn~
