Now that I’ve seen the way that she looks at him, I’m not as confident inusas I used to be.
When I pulled up that day at the ranch, and I saw their eyes locked with him consoling her, she was looking at him as if hehung the fucking moon. It’s the exact way I’ve always wanted her to look at me.She never has.
I love her. I think I’ve done a really good job at showing that—the best I know how. But sometimes love isn’t enough. And also, at times, you have to love yourself enough to let someone else go if it isn’t meant to be.
And maybe we aren’t meant to be. It’ll hurt, but it’s a possibility I’ll have to accept if it comes to that. Still, I have to try. If not, I’d never forgive myself.
Our fate is held in the palms of her hands.
Chapter sixty-five
Izzy
December 2025
Shifting my car into park, I quickly give myself a once-over in my visor mirror.Damn. I knew I hadn’t been looking my best lately, but I failed to realize I look like death.Fuck it.
Opening my car door, my feet meet the parking garage's ground, and I’m quickly overcome with fear. For a woman who has refrained from emotional connections for most of her life, finding myself in love with two men... Yeah, it wasn’t exactly how I pictured things going. I never thought I’d be in this position. Yet, buckle up, buttercup, because here the fuck I am.
The thing about decisions is that you never know if you’re making the correct one until you do, and life proceeds to play out. It can go one of two ways: right or wrong. There’s no way to know. Not knowing if the direction in which your heart is pulling you toward is what you’re actually meant to follow is fucking terrifying.
Breathe, Izzy.
Making my way down the busy sidewalk, my heart begins to hammer in my chest, and I start to question everything, including my existence. But, before I can cower and run away to live a life as a single recluse, the door to the cafe swings open, and Maverick steps out wearing the warmest smile.
Every ounce of fear, indecision, and hesitance I felt moments before suddenly evade me at the sight of him.
I know now this is the right decision.
Approaching him, I return his smile with a soft one of my own. Maverick leans in, pressing a chaste kiss to my cheek and wrapping me in a hug. Taking in a breath, I relish the moment, the feel of him, his scent, and the acceptance that his embrace exudes.
“I really missed you, Iz.” His words are soft, and his tone holds hope. I wish it didn’t.
It’s been two weeks since I’ve seen either ofthe guys. The last time that I spoke to Maverick in person was on Thanksgiving, and that was a fucking shit show. I betrayed him, and he left. Rightfully so.
In true Maverick fashion, he blew up my phone a few days later. It took me a while to return his calls, even though I’m the one at fault here. What can I say? Stubbornness doesn’t die quickly.
Our conversations have been very casual. He never mentioned anything again. It’s as if he took the time to process it all, and now he just wants to move forward.
On the other hand, I haven’t heard a word from Jett. He’s made his stance clear. The ball remains in my court as far as he’s concerned.
“Thank you for agreeing to meet with me,” I say to Maverick just as he releases me. “I really wanted to see you.”
“Of course. Come on, let's go inside. I’ve already ordered our favorites.”
Our favorites.
We have fuckingfavoritestogether.
There is no question that this man knows me. His love for me is so pure and genuine. It’s what girls dream of finding. I wish I were one of them.
We make our way into the busy cafe. Out of all the restaurants his parents own, this one is my favorite. The environment is cozy, and the food is always delicious.
Taking a seat at the table, I'm met with peace instead of the fear I previously felt. Maverick looks at me longingly from across the table. The corners of his mouth pull up ever so slightly into a handsome grin that sends a wave of warmth directly to my heart.
“I missed you so–” Mav begins, but I intervene.
“In the past two weeks, we’ve never spoken about anything that matters,” I say firmly, interjecting.
