Only Time Will Tell

28. My Prince on a Unicorn

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Shit.

He said them. The three words. Not Kyle's harsh ones. No, the L word. He said it.

My mouth dropped open as my heart started beating rapidly.

I wasn't ready for this. I wasn't ready for love.

The last and only person I've ever loved was Derek. And that didn't turn out any good. 

What if it happened again? What if Luke—

"Babe? Calm down." Luke chuckled softly regaining my attention. "I'm sorry I shouldn't have—"

"Luke I'm not ready for love." I shook my head.

"It's okay Han, I told you, I understand if you don't feel the same way. We've only been together for a few weeks, but I just wanted to let you know how I felt." 

I gulped. No. This was not what I needed right now.

"Come on," Luke got up and took my hand. "Let's get out of here."

I nodded taking his hand as he led me outside. "I'm sorry." I choked out once I had gotten some fresh air.

Luke stopped, wrapping his arms around my waist and looking down at me. "Don't apologise. I'm ready to wait." He then bent down and kissed me.

I kissed him back but it didn't feel right. It didn't feel like this should be happening.

That moment back in the restaurant should have been perfect. I should have jumped up and cheered or at least have said it back. 

But instead I was upset. I didn't want that. And instead of focusing on what Luke had just said, my thoughts went back to only one person.

~***~

"I don't know what to do." I said the next day as I sat down at our usual table at Madison's.

"Well we all know you don't feel it back." Thanks for clearing that out Casey like I didn't already know. 

"But I like him! I really do!" I exclaimed.

"Obviously not enough." Layna pursed her lips.

"He said he's prepared to wait. But now I feel like I'm being pressured into saying it." I sighed. "I'm scared. After Derek I'm not ready to love anyone yet. Love comes with complications.  With trouble. With danger. And I don't to relive my past."