Page 21 of Beginnings By the Sea

“No,” I blurted, hoping it would ease the tension. “He’s here with some friends, but he’s also here for work. He didn’t even know I lived here.”

Cohen blew out a frustrated breath. “When is he leaving?”

I bit my lip. “Not for another couple of weeks.”

I could hear his grumble, even though it sounded as if he tried to mute it. “Do you still care about him, Nyla?”

My chest tightened. “I will always care about him, Cohen. Our relationship ended because of me. My ex is a good man, and I was the one who hurt him, not the other way around.”

“So, what happens now?” he asked.

I peered out at the water, wishing some kind of wisdom would come to me, but there was nothing. “He asked if he could see me tomorrow.” I squeezed my eyes shut, waiting for his response.

“And what did you say?”

I opened my eyes and leaned back in my chair. “I said yes. And before you start thinking the worst, just hear what I have to say.” A shaky breath escaped my lips. “I never got closure after the divorce. When things ended, I thought it was best to go our separate ways and cut ties completely. The guilt weighed heavy on my chest this entire time. I want to make sure he’s happy. If he is, I truly believe I can fully move on.”

“Is that what’s holding you back from me?” he questioned.

“Yes,” I answered honestly. It was what held me back from many things.

Cohen sighed again. “Then do what you need to do, Nyla. I care about you, and I want us to work.” It felt as if the weight on my chest had lightened, and I could breathe.

“Thank you, Cohen. This is going to help me, I promise.”

He groaned. “I just wish I was there. Friday can’t get here soon enough.”

I laughed. “What exactly do you think is going to happen?”

Cohen scoffed. “Nyla, you’re a beautiful, smart woman, and amazing as hell. Any man worth a damn would be able to see that. Something tells me your ex will be reminded of what he lost. And if that happens, I don’t see him leaving so easily.”

I shook my head even though he couldn’t see me. “It won’t be like that. He’s not going to change his whole life around to follow me to Oak Island. Our relationship didn’t work, end of story.”

“You’d be surprised what a man would do for the woman he wants.”

His words sent trembles through my body. It was sexy to have a man fight for the woman he wanted, but that wasn’t the case with Miles. We were going to talk, and then he’d go his own way. In two weeks, he’d be back in Virginia.

“Miles doesn’t want me,” I assured him. “When you get back, you and I will pick up where we left off. Besides,” I said, sounding more cheerful, “the Spring Fling auction is Saturday. You said you were going to win our date.”

Cohen chuckled. “You’re right.” But then the humor was gone. “Will your ex be there?”

A nervous laugh escaped my lips. “I have no clue,” I replied, honestly not knowing. “If he does make an appearance at the Spring Fling, I highly doubt he’d enter the auction. He’s not going to want an ice cream date with me.”

“Good,” Cohen said, “I refuse to let another man win.”

However, there was a part of me that wished Miles did enter. But the last thing I needed was for Cohen and Miles to butt heads. The best scenario was for Miles and me to get our closure, and for him to return to Virginia so I could move on.

Yes, that was what needed to happen.

Would it? Guess we’d find out.

11

NYLA

“I can’t believe you’re meeting your ex-husband tonight,” Autumn exclaimed, her eyes widening with excitement.

I winced and stepped inside my office, draping my lab coat around the back of my chair as I moved to sit down.

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