Page 770 of Not Over You

“True. I’m so fortunate that my kids and grandchildren live close by. Otherwise, I wouldn’t know which ones to spend the holidays with. I suppose I could alternate between the two kids. Isn’t that what your family does?”

“Yeah, I hate that they’re scattered all over the place. Next year will be amazing since we’re all spending the holidays with my family. As you know, I only moved here because that’s where Ryder lived at the time.”

“Lili, you could always move back to Connecticut so you’re closer to your parents. Have you thought about that, sweetie?”

“Every single day. But I’ve grown to love Seattle and I have my condo. I don’t know, Natalie. Sometimes, I feel like I’m losing sight of what’s really important.” My vision becomes blurry with unshed tears and it makes me so angry. My emotions have been all over the place as of late and no matter how hard I try, I can’t keep them in check. I might look calm, cool and collected on the outside, but on the inside I’m a fucking mess.

“You’ve been through so much, Lili. Give yourself time to heal—but please don’t do it alone. Don’t lock yourself inside that condo and shut out the world. Promise?”

I hate making promises I can’t keep. Which is the reason why I’m hesitating right now. “I’ll do my best, Nat. That’s all I can do.” How the hell did I go from hero to zero in such a short period of time? I was so excited about meeting her for lunch and a few minutes ago I was motivated to start my shopping. Now, all I want to do is go home and crawl inside my bed.

Natalie excuses herself so she can take an important phone call. I get that I’m not her only client, but I was hoping to spend some quality time with her today as a friend. Instead, I spend my time checking out the intricate holiday decorations they have strewn about the dining room. When my eyes suddenly land on a very familiar face. Zane is leaning against the bar having a drink. He’s dressed in a pair of black jeans with a gray shirt rolled up to the elbows. I’d be willing to bet that his shirt complements his emerald eyes.

I suck in a breath when I’m suddenly caught in the sights of the man himself. A small smile tugs at the corners of his mouth as he pushes off the bar and strides over to where I’m seated. My heart begins to race just knowing that he spotted me. “Lili, fancy meeting you here.” Zane doesn’t ask, he just slides in right next to me.

“I’m having lunch with a friend. Natalie was just called away on business.” The heat from his damn leg scorches my thigh and technically they’re not even touching. What is it about this man that has me so damn enamored? “What are you doing here on a workday?”

“Well, I’m officially on vacation until Monday, so I thought I’d check out my competition.” Vacation? Yeah right.

“When was the last time you took a vacation, Zane?”

“Never. But a certain someone made me realize how important it is to live my life, instead of watching it pass me by. Care to take a wild guess who that someone is?”

I don’t say it out loud. Why am I so good at analyzing what’s wrong with other people but I can’t fix myself? I’m stuck in the past with a man who’s no longer here, when there’s a man beside me who wants me. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Zane. And god knows I’ve played my share of games with you. Natalie’s coming, you can leave now.”

Natalie hesitates when she sees Zane in the booth. It’s clear she’s trying to ignore him, but she can’t stop ogling him like he’s dessert. She looks at me as though she can’t remember what to say. “Sweetie, I’m so sorry but I need to leave. Mary’s sick and asked me to watch the kids.” No. Not now! She glances once more at Zane, curiosity in her eyes. I suppose an introduction is in order, since I’ve been talking her ear off about Zane since the night we met.

“Natalie, this is Zane Sinclair. Zane, this is my agent and dear friend, Natalie.”

“It’s so nice to meet you, Zane. Hey, maybe you two kids could have lunch and go shopping. Look, I feel terrible, but I have to run. I’ll call you later, Lili.” I want to bang my head on the table when she rushes out the door. My perfect day just went out the window.

“Since we’re already here, let’s order lunch. My treat.” I cringe when Zane raises his hand to get the waiter’s attention. I certainly can’t make up a lame excuse to leave, since I was having lunch with Natalie. It would be impolite, so I’m stuck here with him. Well, I suppose there are worse things in life. At least he’s nice to look at and smells delicious.

After the waiter takes our order and drops off our drinks, I blurt out the first thing that comes to mind. “I’d give my right arm to have my sisters here in Seattle with me. What happened between you and Zack to make you hate each other?” I know it’s none of my business but I’m in a bad mood since Natalie left. That, and I’m genuinely curious.

Zane reaches for my hand and for whatever reason I can’t pull away. “We weren’t always like this. Zack and I were very close while we were growing up, but something happened, and I’ll never forgive him. I don’t want to get into it right now, but I promise to tell you someday.”

I won’t push because I can see the pain in his eyes. Whatever happened between the two of them is still raw and none of my business. But I can’t help wondering if we have more in common than meets the eye and that’s why we’re so in sync.

“Forget about Zack. I’d really love for you to come back to my house after lunch. I think I’m more than ready to show you what’s in the locked room.”

CHAPTER 14

ZANE

I’m thrilled, and truth be told, I’m a little bit surprised that Lili gave in so easily. I truly thought it would take more persuading on my part, but she must really want to see what’s behind door number two. I’m also curious why her parents kept their doors locked and what secrets they kept hidden. Unless it was just their way of keeping their children out of their personal belongings. I hope she’s not too disappointed when I open that door.

Once again, she insisted on taking her car and I’m fine with that. I like that she’s an independent woman and can stand on her own two feet. Although I’d love to be the one to pamper her from time to time.

I pull into my normal parking spot, get out of the car and wait. Lili must have hit a red light because she wasn’t too far behind.

Only a few minutes tick by before she’s pulling in right next to me. I quickly open her door, grab her hand and lead her down the cobblestone path. She’s quiet and I can’t help wondering what she’s thinking. Even without words, I can feel our connection through her fingertips, the touch of her hand and the way she looks at me. It’s difficult to explain but I remember reading about the red string of fate. It’s a Chinese proverb which states that somehow, you’re destined to be with that person. I don’t know, it could all be a bunch of bullshit. But one thing I do know—Lili’s the woman I’m destined to be with. I can feel it in my bones.

The moment we step inside the house, I see panic in her eyes. For whatever reason she’s afraid to be here. “Why don’t you make yourself comfortable, and I’ll get us something to drink.”

“I shouldn’t have come here. I’m not the one for you.”

What the hell?

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