Page 122 of Fallen Knight

But that’s the decision I made. I can’t regret it now.

“Thank you.” She holds my gaze for a beat, then spins from me, making her way into the living area.

I run a hand over my face and give myself a mental pep talk that it won’t be too bad, not with all of our other friends here.

But like that week we spent at the beach villa all those years ago, no amount of people can be a distraction, considering we’re at the same townhouse where I once planned a surprise birthday celebration for Esme. Where I was able to spend a full twenty-four hours with her. Where I made love to her.

I try not to think about any of that, though. Try to only think about the reason I’m here — celebrating Anderson’s birthday.

But as the night goes on, it becomes increasingly difficult. Especially every time I glance toward the kitchen and watch Esme cook, the sight bringing back memories of cooking with her on her birthday. Of walking up behind her and kissing that spot where her neck meets her shoulders. Of her teasing me by rubbing her body against mine, knowing how much I craved her.

How much Istilldo.

Which is why I find Anderson after we’ve had dessert and tell him I’ve ordered an Uber to take me home.

“You’re leaving? It’s not even eleven o’clock yet.”

“I have an early day tomorrow. I’ve been doing a lot more advance work lately with all your trips to the States.”

I feel a bit like an arse making him think he’s the reason I’m leaving early.

With him splitting his time between Belmont and New York, my workloadhasincreased, especially with his recent hunt for an apartment to purchase in Manhattan. Regardless, that’s not the reason I’m ducking out early.

“You stay and enjoy yourself. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I give him a bro hug, something I haven’t done in a while. “Happy birthday, Anders.”

“Thanks, mate.”

I wave a quick goodbye to everyone else, then make my way out of the townhouse and down the block, no longer suffocated by memories of Esme.

Until I hear a door open and close behind me. I don’t even have to look to know it’s Esme. I can physically feel her, awareness causing goosebumps to prickle my skin.

“Creed, wait.”

I pause, silently cursing under my breath. Then I turn around as Esme jogs toward me to the best of her ability in her boots.

“Thanks for coming tonight,” she says once she catches up to me. “And for being so good about everything, all things considered.”

“Like you said earlier. We’re both adults.”

“Yes, we are.” She chews on her bottom lip as silence descends on us.

I faintly make out the low thumping of music from one of the clubs a few blocks away. Other than that it’s quiet.

Awkwardly so.

“Sorry about Tristan,” I eventually say to fill the void, then immediately cringe.

It’s probably not the best thing to bring up right now. But I can never manage to keep my head on straight when I’m around her. Can never think clearly with she’s so close, my thoughts a jumbled mess.

“No, you’re not,” she says with a subtle laugh.

“If you’re upset over it, of course I am. I still care about you, Esme. Despite…everything.”

She crosses her arms in front of her chest as she peers into the distance. A gentle breeze ripples through the air, causing a chill to rush over me, even though I’m wearing a jacket. Esme must be freezing in her short-sleeved dress that barely covers her ass.

“I shouldn’t leave my ride waiting,” I say and start to turn, regardless that I haven’t actually ordered an Uber yet.

“I wanted to love him.” Her voice stops me in my tracks and I spin back around, my fists clenching at the mere idea of her giving her heart to another man.

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