Page 30 of Fated with my Ex's Brother

Should I apologize?

It is not like we kissed.

I let out the breath I was holding. I guess I have to say something.

?’uhP Isabel, listen.? She looks at me for the 'rst time since the boss left. ?I donWt want any tension between us. Ye trying to kiss you was wrong. I was in the moment and clearly wasnWt thinking straight. I apologiBe. I still want us to be friends,? I say, searching her face for a reaction.

No, I don't. I want to start a relationship with you.

?Xeah, I understand. It was a mistake,? she replies, nodding her head.

No! It wasn't! I still want to kiss you.

?Xeah, I guess so,? I say in a low tone.

?ItWs nothing, donWt worry about it,? she %ashes a half smile. ?I have to get going. See you tomorrowL?

?Xeah, tomorrow,? I manage to say, feeling completely de%ated despite our major discovery in the case.

TAEDM OIE’ YX DRWS F6HE’D6 17

I watch Isabel exit the room. I just want to walk up to her and kiss her, but I guess I need to let it go, for now at least.

Chapter Eight Isabel

"Mommy! Mommy, wake up!" I hear Octavia's persistent voice from my sleep. Slowly, I open my eyes, but they burn. I shut them immediately. There is a banging in my head like houses are being demolished. It hurts so bad. I feel awful.

What is this?

Did I come down with something?

"Mommy, open your eyes!" Octavia cries out.

"I'm coming, sweetie. You'll have to give Mommy a minute," I say

as I gently place my hand on my forehead to feel my temperature. Holy cow! I'm boiling.

"Mommy, I'm hungry," Octavia starts to whine.

"Sweetie, please, give me just a minute. Mommy doesn't feel so

good," I say as I slightly open my eyes to grab my daughter's hand, stopping her from pulling me.

"Are you sick, Mommy?" Octavia asks, looking at me with pitiful eyes.

"I think so," I bring her hand to my forehead to feel my temperature.

"Mommy's hot," she exclaims. "Do you want to take a bath?" she asks, concerned.

"Don't worry. I'll be up in a bit." I manage to smile at her.

"I'll take care of you, Mommy," she says in her sweet, tiny voice. FATED WITH MY EX'S BROTHER 71

"I know, dear," I pull her close to me in an embrace and plant a kiss on her forehead. "Thanks, my love."

I lay in bed with Octavia for a few more minutes before I muster the strength to stand up. I check the alarm clock by my bed; it's past ten. I must have slept through the alarm this morning. If not for Octavia waking me up, I would still be asleep. I brace myself to keep the room from spinning as I stand.

What in the world is wrong with me?

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