Page 61 of Flirting with My Billionaire Enemy

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KAISON

“Where is this coming from, Ariana?” I have to fight to keep the panic out of my voice. I love her too much to lose her now. I’ve finally allowed myself to open my heart after getting it broken when Blair cheated on me, and now it turns out that I was wrong to allow myself to put my heart at risk?

“Please, just trust me. It’s better for both of us if I take a step back from you romantically.”

“But we just said we love each other. Is that what this is about? Are you just getting cold feet because we’re committing?”

I’d just been daydreaming while sitting in the car of building a house of my own in Blue Mountain and maybe starting a family with Ariana one day. I know it’s a little early to be thinking about that, but I’m a family man and spending so much time around my mom has made me rethink how I’ve been living my life lately. I’m tired of hitting on random women and only having shallow relationships that don’t go anywhere. Ariana gets the real me. Where else will I find a woman I can trust enough to share my writing secrets with? And a woman who understands the joy of putting words on paper?

No, Ariana is special, unlike any other woman I’ve ever met. Whatever I had with Blair pales in comparison to the weeks I’ve spent with Ariana in Blue Mountain.

I don’t want to accept what she’s saying about taking a break from things. But I also have enough respect for her wishes that I’m not going to push what I want on her. My mom has always taught me to listen to the words another person is saying and accept their truth. That doesn’t mean you fall for other people who are lying to you. But it does mean that if someone says they need something, you should take them seriously and not brush their words to the side.

It’s so, so painful, but I say, “I understand. If you need some space, then I’m going to respect that. But I love you, and I’m a patient guy. I can wait a long time if that’s what you need.”

Her expression softens. “Thank you, Kaison. That means a lot to me.”

“But I don’t want to make your life harder, either. Maybe it will be best for me to find another job. The project is finished, and I’ve fulfilled what your dad has asked me to do.”

My heart is shattering with every word she’s saying. “Having you around doesn’t make my life harder. It makes it better. You’re like the sun breaking through the clouds, Ariana. I need that sun in my life. It’s been dark for way too long.”

“Dark? I thought you were having the time of your life, going out there and dating.”

“I may have looked like I was having fun on the outside, but inside I was dying.”

“Because you missed Blair?” I can see how much the words hurt her as she asks the question.

“I—” How can I answer the question without inflicting more pain on her?

“It’s okay. You don’t have to explain anything to me. I get it.” She turns away from me and starts heading toward the door that leads to the kitchen.

“Where are you going?” I ask.

“I need to pack up. The rest of this project can be finished tonight after I go back to Atlanta.”

“You’re leaving tonight?” I ask. “I thought we were leaving tomorrow night.”

“I don’t want to impose any longer than I already have.” She disappears into the house.

I follow her and find her in the conference room, closing up her laptop. “This will all be done by Monday morning.”

“But we were all going to go to church tomorrow, and don’t say you’re a burden or imposing. Because you’re welcome in our home. Everyone likes you.”

“And I like them too. I know this is hard, but sometimes we need to do hard things.”

But it’s dumb. Why is she running when she’s happy and in love? Why sabotage everything we’ve found together?

She loads her computer into her bag and zips it up before slinging it over her shoulder. “I’m sorry, Kaison.”

My heart feels like it’s being ripped from my chest. How am I supposed to go on without her in my life?

“I’ll turn in my two weeks’ notice on Monday after everything is turned in.”

“I understand. But if you change your mind, I’m here waiting for you.” It hurts so much to say the words.

Her back is still, and I can tell she’s put her mask back on because her expression is cool and professional. I’d thought we were past that. I’ve seen her face be so warm and open toward me. She’s been vulnerable and tender at moments. It’s the worst insult to see her treating me like a stranger.

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