Page 29 of The Forever Experiment

She extends her hand to me, holding out the ring, and I’m obliterated as I take it from her. I slip mine off too, and she opens her palm. I place both inside it, curling her fingers over top. “I understand you need to return my ring, but this one is always going to belong to you. I won’t take it.” I kiss her knuckles. “I will come find you in two weeks, I promise.”

She blinks down at the two sparkling pieces of jewelry she’s holding, and before she can say anything else, I fall into the back seat of the cab and shut the door. The driver pulls away, and I’m too terrified to face whatever expression she may be providing me. I let my head fall into my hands, refusing to look back as we drive away, leaving my shattered heart right at her feet.

12

Easton

Two Weeks Later

DISTRICT COURT, CLARK COUNTY,NEVADAstares up at me menacingly from beside my desktop. I’d been told an annulment for Maya and I would be incredibly easy to file, considering we didn’t live in the same state and had virtually zero ties to each other outside the attendance at the same conference and a degree from the same pre-law program.

That felt like another punch to the chest.

I signed the papers when I got home from Vegas and have kept them beside my desk, an aggressive reminder of the complete ass I made of myself in front of the hotel two weeks ago.

Once the adrenaline wore off, I realized what a ridiculous request I’d made of her. It wasn’t plausible for me to think Mayaand I could just…stay married. To think that she’d even want to—she has an incredible career, her family, probably friends too. Fuck, I don’t even know if she has friends or who they are.

None of it makes sense—my feelings, this marriage, my rash decision to leave Maya standing on that curb as I drove away. I feel ridiculous, but I can’t take it back, and I’m not even sure I want to. Regardless of how crazy I looked and how desperate I sounded, every word that spilled from my mouth that morning was true and real. At the very least, Maya deserved to know.

I suppose it’s not a bad sign that she hasn’t contacted me either. She easily could’ve obtained the paperwork herself and had me served. She hasn’t, and I’ve had no contact with her, which must be something, right?

My insides twist and knot themselves together as I tap my hands on the top of my desk, watching the clock. I have approximately four hours before I need to catch my flight to LAX. I’ll stay with Penelope and Carter tonight before heading down to San Diego tomorrow. That’s when I’ll face Maya and quite probably go crying home to my baby sister, Maddie, after my wife leaves my heart in pieces.

There is a soft knock outside my office door before Derrick peeks his head inside. Concern is present on his face, but it’s nothing new. I’ve been a complete downer since I returned from Vegas, and as much as I do actually like the guy, I’m in no place to explain myself to him.

“You have a visitor,” he says quietly.

“I’m not taking any more meetings today,” I mutter, avoiding eye contact as I click across my screen.

“Um…I think you’ll want to take this one.”

I lift my eyes, finding him swiveling his head to the door, as if he’s looking at whoever is asking to meet with me. I hear a muffled mutter and watch Derrick’s eyes go wide before he’sstepping aside. The door swings open completely as my wife barrels through it.

Maya

Easton’s mouth drops open like he has seen a ghost, rolling back in his desk chair like he can’t figure out if I’m real or not.

I turn to his assistant, smiling sweetly as I grab the handle. “Thanks so much, Derrick. I’ll take it from here.”

The boy cocks his head, not making any movement until the door is nearly hitting him in the face, and he jumps back just as it clicks shut. I spin, walking right up to Easton’s desk in the corner of the office and sliding myself to sit atop it. “Hi, pretty boy.”

“Maya, baby.” His face is pale, eyes fearful, and I hate that he’s feeling that way. “I have a flight booked to Los Angeles tonight, I swear. I was going to come see you tomorrow.”

“I know.” I nod. “But I came to you first.”

“Why?”

“Because…” I swallow my nerves. “You made your grand gesture, and it’s my turn to make mine.” I feel my bottom lip begin to tremble as my voice cracks on the words. “You told me you loved me.”

“Love, not loved.” His chest is heaving, features frantic, like he’s hanging onto every sentence leaving my mouth.

I nod. “It’s my turn to do the same.”

Easton’s lips part, quick breath escaping them in rapid bursts as his brows knit together.

“There are certain things about me that people feel compelled to change. My family. The men I date. I need you to understand that I do not want to change, and I won’t be with someone who tries to force it upon me.” I turn my legs, angling myself toward him, and our knees brush. “I’m never going to believe anyone else can take care of me as well as I take care ofmyself. Sometimes, I’m not the most thoughtful person. I forget birthdays and anniversaries. It’s not on purpose, but it happens, even when I try my best. I’m not a great gift giver, and I don’t think I’m very good at showing my love, but it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. When I’m overwhelmed, overstimulated, and overstressed, I self-isolate. I don’t want to be coddled or suffocated. I don’t like to cuddle…” I smile creeps up to the corner of my mouth. “I mean…I did like cuddling with you, but I don’t know if I’ll want to every single night.”

Easton’s hand softly finds itself on my thigh, rubbing those comfortable, soft circles with his thumb.

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