Page 91 of His Temptation
“I guess I gave you no reason to believe I was serious about us. It’s true; I do have a reputation for never committing. But not for the reason that most people think.”
“Look, I know this is all a lot to take in. I need you to think carefully about whether or not you can open up to me. It can’t just be today. You have to be all in, ready to have a real relationship, where we both talk about our thoughts and feelings.”
He holds my gaze, his eyes searching mine with a mix of hesitation and vulnerability. Then he nods his head in understanding as he tucks his hands into his pockets. “I understand. You have no real reason to trust that I mean it this time. If you prefer, I will take some time to contemplate what I’m capable of.”
“That’s what I want,” I reply. “It’s what I need.”
We stand in silence for a beat, and then he leans forward and kisses my forehead. “I’ll be in touch, Kylie.”
With that, he turns around and walks away. I instantly feel cold and lonely. I want to shout that I take it back. That I’ll take whatever he can give me, but I know that’s not true. I do need him to be sure that he is ready to have a real relationship. It has to go beyond him wanting to be ready.
I have to put myself and Ben first now. I can’t do this again and jeopardize Lincoln pushing me out of my job for good. This has to be two adults making a decision with willingness and clarity.
35
LINCOLN
Iknow she wanted me to take more time to think about it. As I walked away from her, it only took about ten minutes for me to determine that I didn’t see any other option but for me to jump headfirst into this. I love her. I have to do this for her—for myself. We deserve our own happily ever after. Despite what my parents made me feel like, growing up, I deserve this. I have to repeat that to myself a couple of times so I believe it.
I matter.
My happiness matters.
Her happiness matters.
But since I know she wants me to take more time to think about it, I give it a week. A full week of waiting for fear or doubt to creep in. They never do. All time does is make it clearer to me that this is right. I’m miserable without her. I miss the simple things, like watching her blush when I give her a compliment or watching her eyes light up with appreciation when we go out to eat. She has struggled for so long that she appreciates good food.
I love being around her brightness. I love being around someone who doesn’t take what she has for granted because she knows what it feels like to not have the luxury of knowing where the money for your next meal is coming from.
I thought long and hard yesterday about how I wanted to show her that I was ready. I want her to know that I’m ready for this to be real.
Here I am now, sitting at my computer as I type out the email.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Company Policy: Workplace Relationship Disclosure
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to formally disclose my relationship with employee Kylie Ricci. We want to ensure compliance and transparency with company policies regarding workplace relationships.
Please let me know if there are any steps we need to take or forms we need to fill out to be in good standing with our policies.
I am happy to discuss this further.
Best regards,
Lincoln Monroe
CEO and President of Nova Sky Airlines
I look over the email one more time and press Send. Leaning back in my chair, I smile as I think about Kylie receiving it. I just hope it comes across as romantic and not pushy. I am out of my depths and might need some grace from her in the beginning as I navigate these new waters.
My goal is to get back to work, but I find myself watching the clock as the minutes go by, wondering if she’s gotten the email yet.
