6:30AM always came way too early. Especially when she hadn't gotten to sleep until after 2:00.
She sighed, opening her eyes and reaching for Hayden. She felt the empty space where he had been, there with her. Her arm draped over the pillow, still showing the indentation where he had been lying.
Cara sat up, alert and awake now...and alone.
So, this was payback, Cara thought. The bitterness and anger that she had felt before was returning quickly and with a vengeance.
~~~~~
Cara trudged to the office, dreading every step. Every step that would force her to be there, with him. Every step that would remind her that he'd been the one to leave this time. After all of the talking they had done, she thought they had finally come to a point in which they understood one another....but now she was more confused than ever.
~~~
"Dude, you are seriously mental, I don't know exactly what is wrong with you...but you need help," Tove said.
Hayden rolled his eyes. "Shut up, alright?"
"I'm serious. You're a decent guy...but you make people see a nasty side of you with this type of shit."
Hayden shook his head, well aware of the way he'd been viewed by many women.
"I thought you liked her," Tove said. "...or was that all just bullshit so you could get her in bed and be the one to walk away..."
"No, Tove...that's not the way it was," Hayden said. "I do like her..."
"Then why did you go and do the one thing you've held against her by bailing out?"
"I don't know, alright?! Dammit!" Hayden slammed his fist against the dashboard.
"I know you get spooked at the thought of real emotions," Tove said wryly, a statement met with a cold glare from Hayden. "...but I'd say you have about five minutes to get it together and figure out a friggin' explanation before you go in there....she very well may tear your head off and I don't think I'd blame her," Tove replied.
Tove parked the car and got out, leaving Hayden sitting there in the passenger seat.
Hayden waited a few more moments and collected his thoughts. He was going to talk to Cara. He was going to explain everything...and apologize. Profusely.
The truth was, he really did like her. He really wanted to see where this could lead, if he didn't continue to screw things up with his backward nature and those comments he would find himself making when things got too close.... Those sarcastic comments were a defense mechanism - it always kept Hayden feeling guarded, even though he knew there was never a good excuse for being an ass.
Hayden had it all planned out. He would make things right between them. He would quit bailing out and he wouldn't allow her to do it anymore either...they'd been dancing around this issue since they first met and from this time forward, they would face all of it head on. He would see to it. He knew they'd only just met-- but he felt a connection to her and he knew she felt it too...it was time to stop fighting it.
He walked toward the door of the office, very determined.
He could see Cara sitting behind her desk. Melissa wasn't in the office as far as Hayden could see.
Cara took a short look at Hayden and didn't speak.
"Look, I know what you must be thinking-" he began.
"No, I'm sure you don't know what I'm thinking," Cara retorted.
"Hayden, I need to talk to you," Tove came rushing out of the conference area.
"Tove, wait a minute please," Hayden said, his eyes still on Cara.
"Cara, there are some things I need to explain--its not what it seems"
"Hayden!" Tove said, a sense of urgency in his voice.
"Tove, damn, can it wait?!" Hayden said in a frustrated tone.
"I'm sorry...I know you're trying to talk but no, it can't wait...I wanted to at least warn you."
"Warn me about what?" Hayden said, looking at Tove for the first time, a look of confusion.
Tove sighed and looked past Hayden now, to the front door.
Hayden followed Tove's gaze to see the Bentley's walking through the front door.
"It's what I was trying to tell you..." Tove trailed off.
It was then that Hayden could see who the Bentley's had brought to the meeting, early and unexpectedly.
"Hello Hayden," a cool female voice said with that unmistakable accent.
Hayden's tone remained firm and even, "Hello Sienna."