Page 112 of From the Moment We Met

“You said she was your fuck buddy, but that isn’t the case, is it?” Lilly took another sip, intrigued by Enrique’s revelation. “Did you love her?”

“That’s where you’re lucky—you didn’t love Jacob—or at least you’re not telling me that you did. I did love Emma. But, as you eloquently stated, I see now I was in love with the idea of Emma; the real Emma has a lot of growing up to do.”

“And if she were to grow up?”

“I don’t see that happening, at least not anytime soon.”

Lilly knew she should drop the subject, but she needed to understand this man’s mentality. It so closely mirrored her own. “But if she did? What then?”

Enrique shot her a sad smile, taking another sip of his drink. “Only time will tell, but I’m not waiting around to see if she grows up and figures out what she needs in life…and whether I’m part of that equation.”

It was a rash move, but Lilly stood and slid into Enrique’s seat, wrapping her arms around the muscled surgeon. He was so different from Jacob; so honest and real. He wasn’t ashamed of having feelings or letting people into his heart, even if they’d only break it. In that regard, they were two peas in a pod. “You’re an incredible man, and you will find an amazing woman who doesn’t have to grow up to realize what she has right in front of her. I think sometimes, we have to go through the hardships so that we realize how grand the good times truly are. Is that a silly sentiment?”

“It’s a lovely sentiment, from a lovely soul.” His arms tightened around her, and she found solace in his embrace. There were no fireworks, but after Jacob, she realized that fireworks may be beautiful, but they were also fleeting. “I know my happiness is out there and so is yours. Don’t close off that beautiful heart. Don’t let him win.”

Lilly cupped his face, pressing a kiss to his lips. “Ditto for you, sir.” She hesitated before pulling away, watching as Enrique’s gaze moved from her eyes to her mouth.

His lips settled on hers a moment later, kind and gentle. Although Lilly knew she should stop him, her loneliness won out as his tongue slid forward to taste her. It wasn’t a demanding kiss, it was soft and lovely, but she wasn’t Emma, and he wasn’t Jacob.

Lilly pulled back, licking her lips. “Enrique—”

“Fuck, I should not have done that. I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me. Please don’t think I'm trying to take advantage of your situation. I would never do that to you.”

Lilly placed her hand on his cheek, offering a small smile. “Don’t apologize. Perhaps we’re both lonely.”

Enrique’s gaze hardened at her words. “You think I still want Emma?”

“I know you still want Emma. It’s written all over your face. You long for her.”

Enrique grasped her hands again, squeezing her fingers. “That’s where you’re wrong Lilly. I don’t long for Emma, not anymore. But the woman I long for has her heart tangled up with another man, one who doesn’t deserve her affection.”

His words turned her world sideways, and she faltered for something to say—anything meaningful, hell, anything in English at this point. Thankfully, his phone rang; it was the hospital.

“I need to return to the hospital.”

“I hope you’re not performing surgery after whiskey,” Lilly half-joked, grateful for the interruption. She needed time to consider his statement, and her heart wasn’t up to the task tonight.

Enrique laid a twenty pound note on the table and showed her his full glass. “I’ve only had two sips, but I’m not performing surgery.” He stood up but hesitated. “Can I walk you to your car?”

Lilly nodded, and they strolled to her vehicle, a strange feeling settling over her after Enrique’s admission. “This is me. Thank you for everything tonight.”

“I know the bastard broke your heart and destroyed your confidence, but please bear in mind some men would walk to the ends of the earth for you.”

Lilly wanted to believe that, believe him even, but her gut told her he was still nursing a broken heart himself. “Perhaps one day I’ll find him.”

Enrique leaned in, kissing her on the cheek. “Stop looking so hard. If someone loves you, nothing will keep them from your side. They’ll break through any barriers, traverse all obstacles and wait for as long as necessary to prove their devotion. If they walk away, then they never loved you the way you deserve to be loved.”

Tears sprang to Lilly’s eyes as he departed, and she began the short drive to her cottage. What if Enrique was right? What if she was so busy looking for fireworks and butterflies, she missed the real and determined love of a good man? Did she have to cling to some impossible dream, or could she finally put both feet back on the ground?

All she knew for sure was when she fell for Jacob, he wasn’t there to catch her, and she’d be damned if she made the same mistake again.

∞∞∞

Janie’s car sat in her driveway when Lilly arrived home. Her friend huddled on the front stoop.

Lilly sat beside her, hugging her around the shoulder. “It’s chilly out here, you want to come inside?”

Janie shook her head. “I hope you’re not angry with me.”

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