Page 17 of Madness

Roman's face flashes in my mind, his innocent smile and trusting eyes a stark reminder of my responsibilities. What would he think of his mom getting involved with a rockstar? With an addict, no less? The thought of introducing any instability into his life makes my stomach turn. He's already been through so much, lost so much. More than he even realizes yet.

And then there's the practical side. The early mornings getting him ready for daycare, the late nights soothing his nightmares, the constant juggling of work and motherhood. How could someone like Dakota, with his unpredictable schedule and complex past, possibly fit into that?

But even as these thoughts race through my mind, I can't ignore how my heart speeds up when Dakota's arm brushes against mine. The way his presence makes me feel both excited and at peace, a combination I haven't experienced in years.

"So," Dakota says, breaking the comfortable silence between us. "This is you, right?"

We've reached my car, and I nod, fumbling for my keys. "Yeah, this is me."

I turn to face him, and my breath catches in my throat. The streetlight casts a soft glow on his features, highlighting the sharp line of his jaw and the fullness of his lips. His dark hair is slightly tousled, a few strands falling across his forehead in a way that makes my fingers itch to brush them back.

But the vulnerability I see in his eyes truly takes my breath away. Those deep brown eyes, usually so guarded, now seem to hold a universe of emotion. The contrast between the rockstar I've seen in videos and this raw, open man before me is striking. And if I'm being honest with myself, it's utterly captivating.

It's so different from what I saw in Miles. Where Miles had bravado and charm that masked his demons, Dakota's struggles are right there on the surface. He's not hiding, not pretending to be something he's not.

"Lauren," he starts, his voice soft. "I want you to know how much tonight meant to me. Talking with you, it's given me hope. Something to hold onto."

His words send a warmth spreading through my chest, but I force myself to remember the reality of our situation. "Dakota, I meant what I said before. I have to be careful. Roman?—"

"I know," he interrupts gently. "And I respect that. I'm not asking for anything. I just want you to know that you've inspired me to be better. To try harder."

I search his face, looking for any sign of insincerity, any hint of the manipulation I'd grown so accustomed to with Miles. But all I see is earnestness, determination, and a flicker of something else. Something that makes my heart race.

"I believe you," I say softly, surprised to find that I mean it. "And I've enjoyed talking with you too."

Dakota's face lights up with a smile that makes him look younger, unburdened. Without thinking, I reach out and touch his arm. The contact sends a jolt through me, and I see his eyes widen in response.

"But," I continue, forcing myself to be the voice of reason, "we need to take this slow. Whatever 'this' is. I can't rush into anything, not with Roman to consider."

Dakota nods, his expression serious. "Of course. Slow is good. Slow is... safe."

We stand there for a moment, neither of us quite ready to say goodbye. I know I should get in my car and drive away, put some distance between us before I do something reckless. But I can't bring myself to move.

"So," Dakota says, a hint of nervousness in his voice. "Can I see you again?"

I hesitate, my mind warring with my heart. Every instinct honed by years of single motherhood and past hurts is screaming at me to say no, to protect myself and Roman from potential pain. But there's another voice, one I haven't heard in a long time, urging me to take a chance.

"Yes," I hear myself say, almost in disbelief. "Yes, I'd like that."

The smile that breaks across Dakota's face is radiant, and I feel an answering smile tugging at my own lips.

“Good,” he says softly, leaning down to place a light kiss on my forehead before stepping away. It’s so quick and unexpected, I’m not sure how to react. So, I don’t. I just blink a few times to try to gather my wits, but it’s difficult with his spicy scent still surrounding me.

“Goodnight, Dakota,” I finally say, forcing myself to unlock my car and slide into the driver's seat. It’s all I could think to do in response to his kiss. What does someone do when a guy does that? Obviously, jump in your car and drive away as soon as possible, right?

He smiles and waves as he walks backward to his own car. And all the while, I can't shake the feeling that I'm standing on the edge of something momentous.

I just hope I'm strong enough to handle whatever the hell it is.

12

REMEMBER ME

DAKOTA

The city lights blur past my window as I navigate the late-night streets of LA. My hands are steady on the wheel, steadier than they've been in days. The tremors that have haunted me since my slip-up are gone, replaced by a strange calm.

Lauren's scent still lingers on my clothes, a mix of coffee and something uniquely her. I can still feel the softness of her skin where I kissed her forehead, can still see the surprise in her eyes at the gesture. Maybe I overstepped. But God, it felt right.

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