Page 94 of The Wrong Promise

Her mouth falls open. “Even so, we still fought.”

I smile at her. “The way you tried to push me away made me want you more. But I knew my brother wouldn’t approve. Or Penny.” I round my eyes for emphasis. “She would have had my balls.”

Finally, she smiles. “And I promised myself never to fall for someone like you.”

“Fall for me?” I kiss her nose. “Is that what happened?”

“You’ll have to stick around to find out.” Her grin grows.

I wrap an arm around her side and slide close enough so our bodies align. “I intend to for a fucking long time. Do you think you can tolerate me?”

She kisses my lips. Just the once, it’s not enough. It will never be enough. I want more with her.

“This morning, I wanted this nightmare to be over, and I didn’t want to feel anymore. You were a light in the darkness. So yes, I can tolerate you. Thank you for giving me hope.”

I nuzzle her cheek. “I offer you more than hope, Zara. I can give you my world.”

EPILOGUE

ZARA

FEBRUARY

The caféwhere Piper and I would meet holds too many memories. It’s been two months, and my heart has not healed, not even a little. I still see her at the same table, her long blonde hair sitting perfectly over her shoulder, and hear her sweet laugh that could light up the room.

When Jobe is in London, Ben drives us to work. When he is in Los Angeles or anywhere else in the world, I take the Tube and meet George at a new café around the corner.

Today is one of those days Jobe is in LA. I’m grateful to spend the time with him when he is here, but I know he needs to be in LA for most of the time. And he mentioned something about setting up a business surprise for Byron to give to Giana as a gift.

When he’s not here, life is harder. I struggle not having him home to hold me at night.

Sorry, babe. I’m running awfully late. I’ll miss our coffee date this morning.

I’m already at the café when I receive the message from George. I finish my cup since I arrived earlier than usual. Even Jobe’s penthouse was eerily quiet, so I needed to be around people to stop my mind from analyzing a thousand thoughts threatening to undo me.

Slipping on my coat and scarf, I head out to the street toward our office block. Winter has been tough. The blistery winds make my gray mood even darker. As I ride the elevator to the fifth floor, I change my mind and press the button for the floor where Piper used to work. I take one step out of the elevator and stop. Not a soul is here. I walk around the desks to her desk, still vacant until the company employs someone.

How will I cope with seeing someone sitting at her desk?

My heart hollows out, remembering our conversations while sitting here. The first day when she brought me chocolate muffins, how she would whisper to me and plan our weekends from this table. I run my fingers along the bare wood, flatten my hand on the table, and close my eyes. I imagine Piper is here with me, us working side by side. It was a time when she was happy.

So was I.

My stomach bottoms out at the thought of moving on without her. I have come to accept coming to work reminds me of Piper, the happy times, and I don’t want to let the memory go. I turn to the window where I used to gaze out in a dream and think about my friends back home.

Today, I’m thinking about Piper.

The elevator door opens, and Vanessa walks in.

“Oh.” She stares at me. “You’re at work early.” She eyes the desk where I’m standing. “Is everything okay?”

I nod and head to the elevator. She probably thinks I’m spying. “Yeah.” I force a smile. “I miss her, that’s all.”

“Oh, right.” She turns to Piper’s desk. “Of course.”

Yeah, you never spoke to her, so I don’t think you would understand.

“Have a good day.” I get in the elevator and ride to my floor. I need to do something fun, so I get out my phone and message George.

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