“Emily! Emily, wait!” Derek’s voice cracked as he called out, chasing her down the street.
“I promise you, I can explain. It didn't go down like you thought it did. I didn't sleep with her!”
His breath came in short, sharp gasps, but Emily didn’t slow. Her footsteps pounded against the pavement, her pace quickening until she was outright running.
Derek pushed himself harder, ignoring the burning in his legs and chest, and finally caught up with her. His hand shot out to grab her shoulder. “Hey, Emily. Please, slow down. It’s not what you think.”
Emily spun around, yanking herself free of his grip as though his touch repulsed her. Her glare pierced through him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Don’t you ever touch me, Derek! Have you no shame?”
The raw emotion in her voic
