Page 60 of Broken Hearts

Poppy keeps glancing my way. Finally, I ask, “What’s on your mind?”

She takes a deep breath, her protectiveness toward Eva clearly battling with something else. “Well, Ethan told me that you really want what’s best for Eva, and that I should give you a chance… have a little faith.”

I can’t help but smile, mentally thanking Ethan. “That’s all I’ve ever wanted—her happiness and safety.”

She studies me for a minute before looking down at the cupcake she’s decorating again. “She is one of my best friends,” she continues, not looking up from her task. “And I’m not certain what the history between the two of you is, well, not everything at least. But I know it’s heavy, and she’s been hurt a lot.”

“Yes, I hurt her far more than I intended, and she never deserved it. I-I can’t apologize enough for that. Words mean nothing, but I can assure you that all I want is for her to be happy. Ethan is right. I want what’s best for her; I love her.”

She glances up, surprised. I guess it’s not often she sees men admit their feelings so freely, but it’s the truth.

Her expression softens, and she nods. “Okay then, be good to her. She deserves it.”

Yes, she deserves it, that and more.

Not long after, Eva walks in, and suddenly the room feels right again.

“Hi,” I say, a bit more eagerly than I intend.

“Hi,” she replies, a bit wary.

“I… ummm… I forgot to buy the—” Poppy looks around and sighs, letting go of the pretense. “I’ll be back,” she finishes, grabbing her phone and her coat before exiting the apartment.

“Cole.”

Before she can continue, I rush to clarify things about Jenny. “Nothing happened with her,” I say quickly, earnestly. “I would never.”

To my surprise, she simply nods. “I know,” she replies, and I’m momentarily taken aback by her calm assurance.

“You do?”

She removes her coat, revealing a serene expression that doesn’t match my own turmoil. Taking my hand, she leads me to the sofa, her touch grounding. “I trust you,” she says, her eyes meeting mine with a clarity that speaks volumes.

I’m eager to close the distance with a kiss, but she places her hand on my mouth, halting me. “Wait, let’s talk for a minute, and then we can do all the kissing you want.”

I sit back, like a good boy, only because she said I’d get to kiss her as much as I want once she’s done talking.

She takes a deep breath, her fingers intertwined with mine. “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking,” she begins. “About us, about what I want, and what it means to trust someone. And I’ve realized that no matter what happens, my feelings for you aren’t going anywhere.”

Hearing her words, a warmth spreads through me, a feeling of hope and gratitude. “Eva, I…” I start, searching for the right words.

She squeezes my hand. “I know you’re not perfect. Neither am I. But I believe in us, in what we have. It’s not going to be easy, but I’m willing to try if you are.”

“I am,” I say without hesitation. “More than anything.”

She nods again, her face still solemn. “The thing is, what broke us at the start is the secrets, the unsaid, and we need to learn from our mistakes. We can’t keep secrets like that, not anymore. And that’s why I’m admitting that yes, of course, I still love you, but I’m scared to fall back into all that.”

“I’m all for honesty.” I take a deep breath, about to reveal to her the last of our secrets.

“And I need us to take it slow.”

I huff, deflating. “What do you mean?” I ask, tightening my hold on her hand.

“You’re intense.”

I frown. “Is that a bad thing? I want you.”

“No, I—” She blushes, and I love that pink hue on her skin. I love it so much that I can’t stop myself from brushing my fingers against her soft cheek. “It’s a work in progress. No matter the lies and the betrayal, you still hurt me very deeply.”

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