Page 67 of Tangled

I pause, knowing my friend knows me all too well.

“That’s exactly what I thought,” she laughs through the phone, making me groan.

“Shut up. Okay, I need to get off of here. I’m almost there.”

“You’d better come up for air at some point this weekend and let me know how it goes. You know, when your mouth isn’t full of Kane’s..”

“OKAY! I’m going! Love you!” I shout, cutting her off and ending the call before she can utter another word. Sometimes the woman can be the voice of reason I need to hear, and other times, she’s the bane of my existence. She knows just how to ruffle my feathers and get a reaction out of me.

And after talking to Clara, I’m not sure if I feel better or more nervous about my night with Kane.

Chapter 30

Kane

Olivia: I’m on my way.

Sitting on my couch, I stare at her text for the tenth time in the last five minutes, itching with anticipation for her to arrive. Prior to her message, I was staring up at the blades on my fan as they spun around, getting lost in the movement to calm my anxiety.

I shouldn’t feel this unsettled at the thought of Olivia arriving. Hell, when I asked her to come over I was sure it was what I wanted. But now that it’s happening, I’m fully aware of how monumental this is. I made a huge choice—a step forward with her—and it’s both exhilarating and terrifying at the same time.

“So how are things going with Olivia?” Dr. Martinez asked as I settled into her couch yesterday afternoon. After my self-appointed visit a few weeks ago due to my panic attack, she insisted I come back to check in with her sooner rather than later.

“Really well, actually. We’re establishing a friendship. I’ve been asking her questions to get to know her, which kind of backfired, but then worked to my advantage,” I chuckle. “I’ve taken her on a few dates and… we’ve kissed a few times. She, uh, got sick last week and I made sure to bring her medicine and food so she could recover quickly...”

“You seem shocked that you did those things, Kane. Why is that?”

Her question resonates with me as soon as she says it. Shocked? Am I startled by my actions?

Yes.

“I didn’t realize it would be this easy. Moving on. Moving forward from Natasha. I’ve been so afraid for years to allow myself to let anyone else in. But it doesn’t feel that way with Olivia.”

“And why do you think that is?” She asks, straightening her back in her chair and pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose.

Honestly, I’m not sure.

Is it because enough time has passed and in combination with seeing a therapist, I’ve been able to deal with my anger? Is it because I’m older now and have more life experience? It is because I’ve realized that Natasha and T.J.’s actions belong in the past and don’t need to dictate my future?

Or is it her?

Isshethe only reason this is easy for me? Is it because I’m genuinely attracted and drawn to Olivia, and no one else? Would I even be able to feel this way for another woman?

The thought of any other woman in my arms and against my lips makes my stomach turn.

“I think there are many reasons… but most importantly, I think it’s just because it’s her.”

The smile that graces Dr. Martinez’s face makes a wave of pride spread across my chest.

“When you find a person you feel is worth the effort, it makes moving on easier, Kane. I’m happy to see this side of you—the man who has patched up his wounds, owns his scars, and is now making progress in healing.”

Standing from the couch, I walk over to the large bay window that covers a good portion of the front of my house, flipping my fan off before watching the darkness overtake the sky and the stars appearing in the black blanket above us. My hands find the pockets of my jeans and I let out a long sigh, waiting for Olivia to arrive, knowing that slowly but surely, this woman is helping me heal.

The weight I’ve been carrying around on my shoulders is lightening, the anger I’ve been holding onto is dissipating, and the feeling of longing for someone again is returning full force the more time I spend with her. I’ve caught myself smiling, appreciating small moments throughout my day that I would never have focused on before—and I know that’s because of her.

She’s made life have meaning again.

I spent so much time today getting ready for tonight. I woke up early—as usual—got my workout in, showered, went grocery shopping, cleaned my entire house from top to bottom, and then showered again and got dressed for our date.

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