Down the Rabbit Hole (Stuck On You)

Chapter 29: It Doesn’t Work That Way

The next morning, I woke to soft kisses. I opened my eyes and saw Hayden. I smiled lightly before I remembered yesterday. I sat up and started untangling my hair with my fingers.

"Good morning," Hayden said softly. I sighed and ran a hand down my face. The fact was: Hayden still hurt me. "What's wrong, Jo?" he asked, putting a hand on my shoulder. I shrugged him off before I stood up and went to my drawers. I grabbed a suitcase and started packing it. I tucked a piece of hair behind my ear.

"Hayden, I'm sorry but I won't let you hurt me again," I said, not looking at him. It was quiet before I felt a hand on my arm. I didn't move.

"Jordyn, please," he begged. I turned and searched his mesmerizing blue eyes.

"No, Hayden. You've already done this to me twice. I won't let it happen a third time," I explained. He leaned his head down to kiss me but I turned my head at the last second. "I'm serious Hayden," I whispered. He paused before he closed his eyes and sighed.

"Everyone I have ever cared about has left me, either by choice or unfortunate circumstances. Last night, I was remembering that. I guess that's why I did what I did. I tried not to care for you anymore. Then maybe, you wouldn't leave me too," he tried to explain. I scrunched my eyebrows at him and shook my head.

"Hayden, you pushed me away. I was here for you and you didn't want to see that. What you did made me not trust you anymore. I don't even know if that was the first time you've done it. I don't even know what to say anymore. It wasn't anyone else's choice to leave you... but it will be mine. I love you Hayden, so much that it hurts and I don't think that will ever change. But I have to think about myself too. You're poison and I don't have to kill myself drinking it anymore. I have never cared for anyone except T-Thomas and now you, but you're killing me," I said softly. He shook his head as a tear tickled down his cheek. I wiped it away gently and hesitated before I gave him a light, tender kiss.

in a whisper as he put his forehead

headed for the door. I'd already called a cab and it was waiting for me downstairs. Hayden grabbed my wrist and I

the door. Leaving him was killing me, but it had to happen. We needed space for me to figure things out. I checked into a hotel and set myself

I don't know what I would do if I had to dance intimately with Hayden again. I was ready to cave just being near him. I wanted to talk to him. I wanted to tell him that I still loved him. After rehearsal, everyone was trying to comfort Hayden. I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes. Hayden could get all of the comforting he needed but it wouldn't be from me. I started leaving. Once outside, I felt a hand on my shoulder. It sent a chill down

I sighed

going to come running back to you and I don't think I can handle

to hurt you," he said

stay away from me,"

shook his head. His hand went to my cheek and

me? That's not fair, Hayden," I

they die. I don't want you to be next," he tried to explain. I understood, but that still didn't give him the right to hurt me. "That's just not good enough this time. You can't push me away to keep from losing me, it doesn't work that way," I said. He shook his head before he leaned his head closer to mine. I pulled away and closed my eyes

me right now," I whispered. He didn't listen. He kissed me anyway. I couldn't bring myself to pull away. I was frozen where I was. Hayden put an arm around me and pulled me closer. I couldn't help it, I kissed him back. I shouldn't have. I pulled away and put the back of my wrist to my lips.