Page 81 of Dare To Live

“I heard that.”

“Fine.” I sigh. “I’ll go to dinner.”

“Good, and don’t change your mind. I will not forgive you if you don’t show.”

I flip the top of my case closed.

Maybe Miles is right. Maybe I am overthinking things. It’s just dinner, after all. He hasn’t asked for anything beyond that.

Tomorrow, I have to head back to L.A. Eli mentioned going to the house in the Hamptons, and that’s thousands of miles away from my apartment in Los Angeles.

He might claim he wants more, but I’m no longer the girl he knew. He says he wants me to get to know him.

But if he really wants to be with me, he needs to prove he won’t hurt me again.

Chapter 44

Eli

When I catch sight of my reflection in the mirror, I turn toward it and straighten my tie. That turns into smoothing a hand over my hair, and then dipping my fingers into my pocket to toy with my cell.

I’ve never felt so fucking nervous in my entire life. And why? Because I’m certain when the doors of the elevator slide open and I walk down to Arabella’s room, I’m going to find it empty and her gone.

I’ve had to resist checking in with her all day long, telling myself that she’ll think I’m falling back into my old ways of wanting to know her every move. That’s why she said she left me. Because I was smothering her. But it’s been hard to rein in the need to make sure she hasn’t run.

The doors swish open, and I step out. The hallway beyond is empty, and the closer I get to Ari’s room, the faster my heart beats.

What if she’s changed her mind? What if she’s run?

If I chase her, does that mean she’s right and I’m still the same person I used to be? Or does it mean I know what I want and am determined to give us both a second chance?

You’re overthinking things. Just knock on the door.

My hand lifts and raps on the wood, almost of its own accord, and then I hold my breath and wait. It feels like an eternity passes, but it’s likely only a minute or two, before the door swings open and Arabella is framed in the doorway.

My gaze runs over her, from the hair pulled back into a high ponytail, with a few tendrils loose either side of her face, the teardrop-shaped silver earrings that accentuate the curve of her throat, and the matching necklace which dips down into the valley between her breasts.

The dress she’s wearing is black, similar to the one she wore last night but shorter with thin straps holding up the bodice, and she’s wearing shoes with heels, which brings the top of her head level with my eyes.

“Ready to go?” I’m amazed at how level my voice is.

“Let me just grab my coat and purse.” She turns back into the room, and I’m presented with the sight of her bare back.

Fuck me. Has she dressed like this on purpose? Maybe she’s trying to test me?

When she returns, I take the coat from her and slip it over her shoulders, then hold out my arm. Her fingers curl over the sleeve of my jacket.

“Where are we going to eat?”

“There’s a quiet place I know a few blocks away from here. I booked a table for eight. Miles and Ivan are meeting us there.”

“Eight? But it’s only seven.”

“I thought we could get drinks first.”

“Oh.”

I push the call button for the elevator and glance over at it. “Just drinks, Ari. There’s a bar at the restaurant. I wouldn’t be surprised if Miles is already there and waiting.”

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