Another Wall to Climb

Chapter 12

The raindrops raced down the cafe windows, patting on the roof as the thunder sounded through the atmosphere. Humidity flew through the door each time a customer opened it. I felt Brad's eyes on me as I stared out the window at rain beating violently against the sidewalk.

"So how have you been?" Brad asked, grabbing my attention. I looked back into his apologetic blue eyes and instantly thought of Josh's sympathetic green ones.

"Fine, thanks for asking." I said sourly, unwilling to fall into his trap yet. I crossed my arms and leaned back in the booth.

Brad took a sip of his coffee and laughed into the cup. He set it down and looked back at me with a smile.

"Well, you're welcome." He smiled and leaned onto the table with his hands folded together.

"So, thanks for the coffee but I really need to get going now." I started to get up but he lightly grabbed my hand and pulled me back to the seat, this time he sat me next to him on his side of the booth.

"I need to talk to you first." He intwined our fingers together and looked me dead in the eye. I felt the heat race through my cheeks as his minty breath filled my nose.

"Hailey, I didn't want to take them. Coach made me. It was that or I was off the team. You know I love you and I would never intentional-"

"I love you too, but-"

"Just hear me out. You're the reason I wake up in the morning. I live for you and I'd die for you. And someday," he took a deep breath and smiled. "Someday, I'm going to make you my wife."

It was the sweetest thing he's said yet.

I took a deep breath. He traced his thumb over my knuckles. "I'll give you one more chance. Screw it up, I'm done. Got it?"

He responded with a kiss. I kind of wished he was Josh kissing me. Brad's lips only made me long for Josh. I closed my eyes and replayed the kiss I shared with Josh last week.

***

I've promised myself a few things over the past few days. Number one, I will never let a guy hurt me or take advantage of me again. I'll stay strong and independent and never let my guard down. Number two, Never again will I ever let myself cry over a guy. Never.

***

I felt guilty waking up to Josh lying next to me peacefully asleep, knowing I was back with Brad. But I wasn't about to give this up.

I stared at the ceiling, unable to fall back asleep, unable to move for fear of waking up Josh.

I cocked my head to the side to look at him. His messy brown hair fell into his eyes. His lips poked out farther as he slept silently. His arm slightly moved and wrapped around my waist. He didn't even wake. I let his arm ly there. I stroked it back and forth and stared back at the ceiling.

The next thing I knew, I saw the sun rise over my balcony. I was still rubbing Josh's arm as he slept. I never moved a muscle. A moan inched through his lips and his eyes slowly opened. I kept rubbing his arm as he smiled at me. He always slept shirtless but I didn't mind.

"Morning, sunshine!" I whispered. He tightened his arm around me and pulled me to him.

"And how long have you been awake?"

"Couple hours." I giggled as he tickled my side.

"Sounds like you slept well." He said sarcastically.

"Like a baby." I rolled my eyes and laughed.

He leaned over and kissed my jawline. I sighed, loving the feeling he gave me. "I can't be doing this."

"And why not?" He propped his head on his hand.

"I gave Brad another chance."

He grumbled. "Oh, look. Someone wrote gullible on the ceiling.

"And what's that supposed to mean?" I stopped rubbing his arm to get off the bed.

"Hailey, you deserve so much than him." He breathed the words out.

"Maybe, maybe not." I rolled my eyes and look over him.

"You do! And I could show you that if you'd just give me a chance, Hailey!"

"I'm not worth it, Josh."

"So jerkface gets as many chances as he wants with you, and I don't even get one?" He raised his voice as he got off the bed and stood in front of me to grab my hands.

"I never said that. And no, this is his last chance."

"Fine. Then give me one chance, atleast. May the best man win." He walked out of the room and shut the door, leaving me alone and speechless.

May the best man win what? My heart? Great.