Series: The Laws of Opposite Attract Series by Vi Keeland
Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 98878 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 396(@250wpm)___ 330(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98878 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 396(@250wpm)___ 330(@300wpm)
I shut my eyes, and all I could see was Alex. Her blond hair. Her eyes, filled with concern the last time I saw her—concern that perhaps I’d moved on and found someone else. That couldn’t have been further from the truth.
I sat up under Lacey. Panting, I swiped the back of my hand across my mouth. “I’m so sorry.”
“What’s wrong?”
“It’s not you. God, you’re beautiful, and smart, and charismatic…”
Her expression dampened as she figured out where this was going—nowhere.
“The problem is…I’m still in love with someone else. As much as I don’t want that to be true, it just is.” I paused. “I saw her this past weekend at the worksite, and it made me realize my feelings are as strong as they always were. She and I aren’t together, but I can’t shake her.” I looked into her eyes. “I thought I could move on with you tonight. I’m so sorry I can’t.”
Lacey’s expression was hard to read, a mix of sympathy and disgust. “I don’t know what to say, Brayden, except I’m glad you stopped things when you did. Because while I don’t mind sleeping with someone who’s getting over a breakup, wasting my time on someone who doesn’t even want me is a whole different story.” She sighed. “I hope you can get her back, if you can’t move on.”
I’m more likely to end up alone.
And that would be exactly what I deserved.
I stood and adjusted my shirt, shaking my head. “I must be crazy for walking away from you.”
She closed her eyes and bent her head back in frustration. This girl had already been hurt by her ex, and I’d hurt her again. I felt sick. Lacey deserved the world, but I wasn’t going to be the one to give it to her. So the sooner I got out of her sight, the better.
I left awkwardly and vowed never to do this again. I needed to be absolutely sure I wasn’t wasting someone’s time before I got involved. Walking down the street as I left her apartment, I’d never felt so alone. Not only did I not have Alex, I was incapable of making a connection with anyone else. I wanted to call someone, but it was late, and I didn’t want to disturb the kids by calling any of the guys.
A few minutes later, though, my phone rang. Owen.
“Hey, man,” I answered.
“Everything okay?” he asked. “I just thought I’d check in. Wanted to see if you ended up going on that date.”
“It didn’t go well.” I exhaled, my voice shaky. “I know it’s late, but…what are the chances I could steal you away? I’m all fucked up. I could really use a drink and a friend.”
He hesitated. “Brayden, I’ve known you most of my life, and this is the first time you’ve ever asked me for a damn thing. Name the place, and I’m there.”
I asked Owen to meet me at a bar midway between his brownstone and the building. Once he’d agreed, I caught a cab. He’d texted me that he was there while I was still on the way, so when I walked in, I expected to see him sitting in the corner alone.
But instead, there were three: Owen, Colby, and Holden.
CHAPTER 24
Alex
“So, what’s new?”
I stirred the pot of sauce on the stove. “I think I overcooked the pasta. Though I suppose that’s not new, is it?” I pointed to the cabinet next to my stepdaughter. “Can you grab the strainer for me, please?”
Caitlin took the metal strainer out and placed it in the sink. Grabbing the potholders, I walked over and dumped the pot of angel hair. I’d made her favorite meal—meatballs and braciole. She usually came early and helped me cook, but tonight she’d worked later than usual. Together we brought everything to the table, and before I sat, I refilled our wine glasses.
“What did you do last weekend?” I asked, filling her plate with pasta.
“Friday night I went out for drinks after work and…I met someone.”
“Really? Tell me more.”
She smiled from ear to ear. “Well, his name is Justin. He’s a few years older than me. He’s never been married and doesn’t have any kids, but he wants them. And he’s handsome and sweet. Oh, and he’s an orthodontist.”
“Oh my. That all sounds fantastic. Especially the sweet part.”
Her eyes sparkled. “We went out Saturday night and Sunday night, too.”
I couldn’t remember the last time Caitlin had sounded so excited about meeting a man. It made my heart full. “I can’t wait to meet him.”
“I told him all about you, and he can’t wait to meet you, either.” She rested her fork on her plate. “This might sound weird, but something about him reminds me of Dad. He’s just sort of doting and goofy.”
My eyes welled up. “Your father was definitely both of those things. I’m so happy for you, Caitlin. He sounds amazing.”