Page 96 of Dirty Temptation

“Yeah. I think I do.”

Can’t believe I just said that to my ex-girlfriend.

“Then you need to help her trust you,” Harlow says.

What?

“Um, how?”

“By being romantic. Atlas youarevery romantic. So, let’s make a plan.”

So that’s what we do.

Me and my ex-girlfriend put together a fricking plan to make Molly Carter fall in love with me.

Or at least, hopefully trust me enough to consider it.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

MOLLY

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The first bunch of roses arrives two days later.

I know they’re from Atlas because there are twenty-four of them. No offense to Greg but that’s a pricy bunch of long stem red roses. Plus, after our call yesterday he knows we’re just going to remain friends.

Focusing back on the roses, I can’t help feeling like I’m in the middle of a romantic movie. The long-stemmed roses arrived in a huge gold box, and while I’m flushed and surprised by the gift, it’s the note I want to read.

I rip open the little white envelope.

If I could turn back time I would tell you exactly how I felt about you. A xx

I lift my eyes and stare at the wall.

“That’s it?” I say out loud to the empty room.

No apology. No invite. No demand.

I put the roses in a vase, and feeling a little deflated, carry on with my day.

The next week eighteen roses arrive and I’m secretly thrilled. They’re white and absolutely stunning. All week I’ve thought about Atlas, wondering if I should call or thank him.

I didn’t do either.

I love that he has sent more.

I rip open the note eagerly.

Any man who lets you go is a fool. I’m not letting you go; I’m giving you time. A xx

Oh, my.

I almost text him but something stops me. I feel frozen. I’m not sure what any of this means but when I read the note again (four more times!) I know that’s okay.

Somehow Atlas knows I can’t rush.

The truth is, I may never be ready.

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