Picture Perfect

that girl and I never will be. To be perfectly blunt, I wouldn’t want to be, either. That’s a recipe for a bullshit relationship and I want no parts of it. You and I aren’t on the same page. Clearly there’s an attraction between us, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be explored. Chemistry isn’t always enough to overcome the obstacles between two people. I’m thankful to you for showing me that I could enjoy being sexual, and I will always cherish that. But the fact is, we don’t go together and we never will. On a positive note, I’m glad that this was all figured out before this went any further. We’re letting whatever this was go now, no hard feelings.”
    Letting her go, I started to pace as I fumed and tried to collect my thoughts. I couldn’t fucking believe the bullshit she was slinging at me, and I didn’t hold back when I responded.
    “Fuck that. Fuck every ridiculous thing you just said. How about instead of building that fucking wall of yours, you let me in? When have I ever given you the impression that I wanted you to be my beck and call girl? NEVER! I’ve told you time and again that what’s between us is very fucking real to me. I’ve shown you in every way that I can that I want to go all the way with this. I fucked up over the last week and I admit that, but that wasn’t because I didn’t value you, or because I thought I was a free agent. I’ve had serious family shit going on that came into my life like a fucking atomic bomb and I’ve been dealing with the fallout. I don’t see myself as free baby, because I’ve already jumped in, feet first, to what you and I have. You are the one in this relationship that’s sitting on the side of the pool clinging to a deflated life vest. The irony of the fact that you think that I don’t take what’s between us seriously but you are the one that’s taking the first available out isn’t lost on me. You changed your fucking phone number in a rage and my response to that was to get my ass on a plane to talk to you in person. I really don’t know how the fuck else you want me to demonstrate to you that I’m in this, but what I do know is that I’m not quitting on us, and neither are you.”
    When I stopped pacing, she was standing right where I’d left her. Her lower lip was quivering and I could see that she was struggling, so I went to her and pulled her into my arms. “Baby, we’re going to be fine. Give us a chance.”
    Shaking her head, she pushed me back. “I can’t.”
    Putting my hands on her shoulders I said, “It’s not that you can’t Tess, it’s that you won’t. Give me one good reason why you’re turning your back on something this fucking powerful?”
    Glaring at me, she tried to wiggle away from my hold. “I don’t have to have a reason. It’s enough that I’m saying that I can’t. I don’t want this.”
    I’d never wanted to put a girl over my knee before, but suddenly the idea of spanking the shit out of her stubborn ass held tremendous appeal.
    “Bullshit,” I roared. “Give me the real reason why you’re taking the nuclear option instead of giving us a chance!”
    Stomping on my foot, she pushed away as she yelled, “Because I’m fucking terrified of you!”
    Before I could respond to that, her roommate’s bedroom door flew open and she came running into the living room. Glaring at me, she grabbed Tess. “Tessa, do I need to call the police because this asshole scaring you?”
    This day just kept getting fucking better. Now her friend was going to think I was some creeper asshole who was trying to force myself on Tessa. Beautiful.
    Stepping away from the roommate, Tessa waved her hands in the negative. “No! God, no, Jess. What I just said had nothing to do with me being physically afraid of him. He would never, ever lay a hand on me. I’m sorry I scared you. Flynn and I will finish this discussion in my room.”
    Gesturing toward the hallway, Tessa motioned for me to follow her. Giving the roommate and apologetic look, I went and followed Tess to the bedroom.
    After closing the door behind me, she sat on the bed. I didn’t wait for an invitation to join her before I sat right down next to her. “Babe, what the fuck do you mean you’re terrified of me?”
    Running her hands through her hair, she looked away before she blurted out her answer. “I’m terrified of the way you make me feel. It’s been no time at all, Flynn, and I shouldn’t have cared as much as I did that you