The Chase (Briar U, #1)

by Elle Kennedy

“A woman isn’t defined by her boyfriends. She’s defined by her achievements. And her shoes.”

perception and reality are vastly disparate. The truth is usually found somewhere in between.

“Sorry. I’m not very chatty. Don’t take it personally, okay?” I steal my bottle back. “Okay, I won’t. But if you don’t feel like talking, at least entertain me in other ways.” She plants her hands on her hips. “I propose we make out.”

I’m not a fan of my own thoughts. They tend to be a jumble of insecurity, mixed with self-doubt, a splash of inner critic, and a sprinkling of misplaced over-confidence. It’s a fucked-up place, my mind.

Once upon a time, we had a common goal and a common enemy. We were burning bras and fighting for the right to vote. Now we’re body shaming each other on social media and blaming the mistress if our man cheats.

If he has to fight himself to be with me, then chances are he’d never fight for me if it came down to it.

I feel like too many girls fail to remember one vital truth: we deserve someone who gives us one hundred percent. Half-assed effort isn’t effort. Half- assed love isn’t love. If a man isn’t all in, then we need to be all out.

I don’t want to be with a woman who hides in the shadows with me, because that enables me to keep hiding.