6. I look down to where his hand is STILL stroking mine. He stops and pulls away and steps back once.
The contact is severed and so is my bravado. I can't breathe and I need to run.
I step back and hug myself, looking down. His hand comes up to my shoulder but I can't accept a touch there. I flinch and move out of reach. He freezes.
"Bella?" his voice is confused and concerned and hurt but there is the crumb of understanding in there too. Which confuses me. But I need to run.
I look over to Max and tell him to come to me, he does, and we step back. I can't leave quick enough but my feet drag as I walk away, slowing my steps. Just as I reach the corner I look up and see that Edward is still in place. Watching me. His face frowning.
I will try better next time.