In Your Time novel Chapter 22

I was mostly quiet for the rest of the party. After running into Tara, it didn't seem that fun anymore. Braden seemed to be able to go on and enjoy it, but something kept nagging at the back of my head. Maybe it was because my feelings for Braden were different they were before I got to know him. I bared it until we got back to the house. I went straight up the stairs to my room. I just wanted to be alone for the moment. There was a level of respect I thought I'd earned from him that just wasn't really there. Unfortunately, Braden followed me to my room.

"Hey, you've been unusually quiet all night. Did something happen?" He asked. I scoffed as I felt the threat of frustrated tears welling up in my eyes. I pushed the urge down and tried to calm myself, but it wasn't working. The only option I had to keep my sanity was to just say it. It would bug me for a while if I didn't.

"I don't know what happened between you and Tara, but using me to try and hurt her wasn't cool. Plus, she wasn't the only one you hurt. I just want to be alone right now, Braden, please," I said quietly before I turned to get my pajamas out of my dresser.

"What do you mean?" Braden asked. I sighed and closed my eyes before I turned back to Braden with my pajamas in hand.

"I'm trying to say that being blatantly used like that to make another girl jealous really hurts. And I'm trying not to get more upset than I already am," I explained. His face went to one of realization.

"I didn't really think of it that way," he said softly.

"I know. You had a very one-track mind at the moment. You weren't really thinking about anything else. Can you leave so I can change?" I asked as I moved to the door. I felt arms wrapped around me from behind as Braden stopped me with a hug.

"Phoenix, I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking in the moment. I wasn't trying to hurt you," he said softly near my ear. Even as upset as I was at him at the moment, his words and actions still managed to move me.

"If you have no intention of being more than friends with me, I suggest letting me go," I said flustered.

"Well you are my fiancé," he joked as his grip on me tightened slightly.

"In name alone," I reminded him. Braden finally let me go and turned me to face him. His hands rested on my shoulders, making sure I wouldn't run away.