ADDICTED

38

LEAH

As Julia switched frantically between radio stations, her nose twitched. I didn't think she realized she was even doing it.

"You know, you don't have to do this," I said.

She glanced at me. "Well, we're already on the way. Could've mentioned that at the house."

Chuckling, I focused back on the steering wheel.

"Just messing with you," she said as she sat back in her seat. "I would've come even if you begged me not to. I'm happy to help."

Her unenthusiastic tone belied her words. 

"James put you up to it, didn't he?" I asked, flashing her a smile. "Don't let him guilt you into helping me. I'd be fine on my own."

She arched a brow and crossed her arms over her chest. "Would you, though?" 

I glanced away from the road to glimpse her expression and found it challenging, as usual. She was trying to make a point, but I sensed it was one I may not like. 

"I appreciate your help, Julia. Forget I said anything."

"No, don't forget it. I think you brought up a good point. While you might be physically able to do this alone, that doesn't mean you should have to."

"It's just . . . this is my mess. I hate to bring other people into it."

Julia waved a flippant hand. "You can't help that someone broke into your apartment. That's terrifying. I can't even imagine the stress you're in. Anyone would feel that way in your position."

Nodding, I took a deep breath. "You're right. I guess I've been trying not to dwell on it."

"You don't always have to be strong, you know. You have loads of people in your life who care about you and want to help."

"That's true," I said. "People will run away if you ask too much of them. Sometimes it's just easier to do things myself, even if it's harder that way."

"Well, considering you and my family keep finding your way back together, I think it's safe to say James and I aren't going to run away from you."

I withheld a groan at the mention of James. Our last conversation didn't exactly end well and I wasn't keen on remembering it. My words were full of insecurity and fear, yet I knew it had to be said. I made a mistake in giving in to my feelings and attraction to him, but it couldn't happen again. 

Enabling another man to dominate my life—another Muller, no less—would make me a total fool. It would only end in more heartbreak, and I had enough of that to last a lifetime.

"He's serious about you," she said. "I've never seen him get like this for anyone."

Pain lanced through my chest. I bit my lip and stared at the road to keep my breathing steady. 

"It's also totally okay to be scared to jump into something," she added. "He can be an impatient ass sometimes, but he knows you're worth waiting for."

"He shouldn't have to wait for me," I said. "We're not going to be together. People would think we lost our minds."

"Who is 'people'?"