Apocalipstick (Hell in a Handbag Book 1) by Lisa Acerbo (the best e book reader txt) 📗

don’t understand. You say we had something real, but the only thing I’ve seen this last week is you’re happy to be around everyone else but me. Aiko’s always in here. If you like her, I’m happy for you.”

“It’s different with her. She’s immune. The virus has already changed her.”

“Changed her into a cold-hearted bitch. She’s the one who wanted to do nothing.”

“She explained, and I understand her point of view.”

“You understand her but not me?” Frustration and sadness played tug-of-war. “I’m your friend. I was there for you when she wasn’t.”

A deep rattling cough from Quentin sent Jenna into panic mode. She brought him water.

“I’m fine,” he said after a few sips.

“I don’t mean to sound angry. I’m confused. You’re so distant. I want us to be friends like we’ve always been.”

“Always friends. Wasn’t there more?” Quentin stood.

Jenna followed his lead, inching closer. He reached for her, laced his fingers behind her neck, drawing her in. Their lips met.

With all her heart, she tried to create the excitement of their first kiss, but all she managed to do was to muster camaraderie. She had mistaken comfort and caring for something more. While she cared for Quentin, their relationship lacked passion.

He crushed their bodies together, bruising her lips. Jenna could do nothing to stop him. At last, he drew back.

“Well?” His gaze met hers. “Tell me you didn’t feel anything?”

She dragged in a long breath. “My emotions for you are real, but I’m not in love with you.”

“No?”

Was this all about his jealousy? “What do you want me to say?”

“Aiko and George both told me.” A muscle twitched in his jaw.

“What exactly did they say?”

“Details. Lots of gory details.” His eyes registered pain.

“It’s not what you’re imagining.” Her hands shook, so she balled them into fists.

Her gut clenched knowing she was an awful person for not hashing this out sooner.

Fear of losing him made her delay. Now he’s angry and jealous about Caleb. Maybe he had the right to be, but these stupid emotions are impossible to control.

“Caleb and I never planned any of this. I can’t explain how it is when I’m around him.”

“I understand.” He held her gaze. “No. I don’t understand.”

“Let me explain what happened.”

“That’s the last thing I want to hear. Don’t come to see me anymore.”

“You’re my best friend and more. I’m coming back here every day until you kick me out.”

“One day, I’ll do it.” He bit at a thumb nail. “I need time. Can you just leave me alone for a while?”

When the door closed, the separation became permanent.

How could she have destroyed her relationship with him?

Throughout her chores and work with the horses, their conversation haunted her. Later in the evening, Caleb became the needed distraction. Once again, skipping the communal dinner, the two dined alone on the back patio. While a beautiful night, a fall chill danced around them.

“How’s Quentin?” Caleb asked.

“Better. The bites need more time to heal, but he’s doing well. No fever, no problems. He’s walking short distances, but Emma has him on bed rest until next week because of a lingering cough. It really effected his respiratory system and ability to breathe.”

Should she tell him the rest. The urge not to was overwhelming.

“Good news.” His gaze probed hers. “What about George? Has he come near you?”

“I haven’t seen George since that night, and every time he sees me at the end of a hallway he turns and runs the other way.”

A savage smile crept across his mouth. “Just the way I like it.”

There needs to be honesty if this relationship is to have a chance.

“Quentin’s heard about us from Aiko and George.” She refused to make eye contact. “We need to step back. I don’t want to hurt Quentin anymore than I have.”

“Tell me what really happened today when you saw him. You’re sad.”

She pushed her plate away, relived the conversation with Quentin, and by the end, tears threatened.

Caleb moved around the table, sitting close, and drawing her in for a hug. “I’m not confused.” The words tickled her cheek. “This is right, and I can’t stop how I feel about you. I’m not going away. You’re stuck with me, and you better learn how to deal with that.”

His words caused a shiver to run through her.

What they were building together was different from anything she’d ever known. So intense when compared to her emotions for Quentin, but he represented the normal world, comfort, and friendship. Chemistry with Caleb promised something much different. She’d drown in the physical ache running through her and go willingly.

She had to be with him. It was like she had no alternative. But damn it, if she’d expose her weakness to him.

“Promise me one thing, Jenna.”

“What?”

“You’ll give me one more date.”

She studied him. “One date.”

He grinned like he’d won an Olympic Gold. “I’d better plan then.” Gathering up the dishes, he headed back inside.

Jenna sat watching the clouds shift in the dark sky, enjoying the night and the bracing wind.

“It’s happening today.” Caleb stopped her in the morning before she left the inn.

“We only made the agreement last night.”

“I don’t want you to back out.”

“I wouldn’t.”

“You can’t. Meet me by the lake at eight.”

Her flashlight lit the steps down to the man-made slim strip of sand surrounding a large reservoir. The beach wound between the water and the dense woods that cloistered the lake on three sides. In the darkness, the woods developed a supernatural quality. A still functioning kayak lay next to boats and canoes s half buried or torn apart by the harsh weather.

An abandoned house perched forlornly on the lake’s edge.

“Are you sure we’re safe here?” Jenna asked, enjoying the magnificent lake view. After her battle in the woods and the recent Streaker attack on Quentin, she remained uneasy.

“It’s been two weeks since we came across any indication of undead. Even if they have some way of smelling us out, the woods are too dense for them to make it here, and the lake protects us. Plus,