Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 68177 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 341(@200wpm)___ 273(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68177 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 341(@200wpm)___ 273(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
I’m sorry,
Braxton
I want to believe him. I want to believe he really is sorry, but I’m not sure he even thinks what he did was wrong—not after everything he’s done and continues to do. I ball up the paper in my hand and drop it to the floor at my feet. Then I get up and grab a cup of tea before going to get ready for work.
And when I get home that evening, I find a beautiful, brightly colored betta fish in a simple glass bowl on my kitchen counter along with a container of food. I tap the glass smiling then take off my watch and toss it into one of the drawers.
Chapter 11
Dakota
STANDING IN MY bathroom with Samantha next to me, both of us primping to go out tonight for Jamie’s show, I meet her gaze in the mirror and smile as she picks up her wineglass to take a sip. This week, we’ve spent a lot of time together, not just at work but we’ve had lunch together every day and went out for drinks a couple times. It’s been nice having a friend, and I’m looking forward to having her with me tonight to keep me company.
“Can I ask you something?” she asks, and I laugh, because she already sounds a little tipsy. Then again, I might be a little tipsy myself.
“Sure.”
“What’s going on with you and Mr. Adams?”
At her question, I almost burn myself as I fumble with my curling rod. Besides Samantha mentioning Braxton showing up at the bar, no one has questioned me. Not one person has even given me a funny look. It’s like it never happened at all, and because of that, I kind of forgot it even did.
“Sorry, I shouldn’t ask. I mean, it’s not my business.”
I wet my lips, unsure what to say. I want to be honest with her, because her question is something a friend would ask, but a part of me wants to keep the information to myself until I know where he and I are headed.
“I don’t know,” I say quietly. It’s been days since I’ve spoken to him. Not that he hasn’t attempted to contact me. I’ve just been working hard at ignoring his calls, texts, and e-mails, wanting time to try to figure out my feelings without his overwhelming presence interfering. I’ve figured out that I miss him and have even been grateful for his persistence during this time. It’s made me feel like he hasn’t forgotten me, like what we’ve shared is important to him, like I’m important to him.
“The night we met, I had no idea who he was.” I set down my curler and pick up my glass of wine. “He lied to me. I was supposed to meet a blind date. I thought he was the guy and approached him, and instead of telling me he was the wrong man, he told me he was my date.”
“Shut up,” she whisper-hisses, and I shake my head with a giggle, like Jamie finding the humor in the situation now that I’m no longer angry about it.
“We went out and one thing led to another, and he stayed the night.”
Her eyes are wide with horror. “Let me guess—you found out he lied the next morning.”
I nod. “I found out he lied and lost my mind. Then later, I found out exactly who he is when I ran into him at the office. And since then, things between us have been complicated.”
“I hate to tell you this, but it sounds like it’s always been complicated.”
“You’re not wrong about that.” I sigh, turning back to the mirror.
“Do you like him?”
“When he’s not making me mad or doing things that make me crazy, I really like him. I’ve never met a man like him before. He’s funny, sweet, and really kind, but he can also be pompous, demanding, and infuriating.”
“Hot.” She grins then continues, “And let’s not forget gorgeous and sexy.”
“We can’t forget that.” I laugh.
“Well, I think you guys look cute together, and I don’t know him or what he’s like, but I’ve dated a lot, and I can tell you that not once did a guy show up where I was because he wanted to spend time with me. Really, most of the men I’ve dated would be happy if I decided to go out with friends, so they could have some time alone or time to do whatever they wanted to do… including another girl.”
I blink at her in surprise. She’s gorgeous, with thick dark hair, big blue eyes, full lips, and a body even the Kardashians with all their money would envy.
“Don’t look at me like that.” She shakes her head. “Dating nowadays is a joke. Everyone is looking for their next conquest, and I have yet to meet a man who is even a little interested in something serious.”