His head jerks back in shock. “Where did that come from?”
“We’re spending too much time together, and it’s not fair to you. I’m leaving soon. You should be dating and finding someone you can have a real relationship with, not just a temporary fuck buddy.”
His features turn angry. “You and I both know that’s not what you are, Cici. Call it whatever you need to make yourself feel better, but I’m dating you. We may have an expiration, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the time wedohave together. I’m not ancient, and I’m not settling down anytime soon. This is what I want for now.”
“That’s the thing. It shouldn’t have to befor now. There are plenty of women like Rebecca who could make you happy, and you’re wasting your time on me.”
“Is that what this is about? Rebecca? Cici, she saw me while I was talking with the bar manager and remembered me from your office. She reintroduced herself is all.”
I bet she did.
“And actually, she asked about you, and I told her we’ve been seeing each other.” He brushes the hair from my face and gives me a peck on the lips.
“That’s the problem. We aren’t, though. We’re just passing time. I’m holding you back from meeting a nice woman like her. Someone you can have more with.”
“Cici, we are not just passing time—we’re enjoying the time we have. Why would I want any other woman when there’s an amazing one right here?”
I growl in frustration. “You’re not listening to me. That’s thewhole point. I shouldn’t be here and won’t be for much longer. It’ll only be harder when it’s time for me to leave if we keep this up.”
“Cici, when my parents died, it taught me not to let life pass by and enjoy everything it has to offer before it’s too late. Right now? I’m enjoying you before it’s too damn late, and I’m sure as hell not seeing anyone else while we’re together. Trust me, I know what’s coming. You have no intention to stay. I’m not ignorant of the situation, but I’m also not giving you up until I have to. Soak that in, baby, because you’re mine, and I’m yours until the time comes to let you go.”
“But—”
“Cici, there’s nothing more to say, and I don’t want to hear another word about slowing down. You’re coming to my place tonight so I can remind you that’snotwhat you want.” He kisses me once more, this time with force, gripping my neck firmly and claiming my mouth like it’s his right. My knees go weak, and I whimper at the loss when he breaks our connection. “More of that later. We better go back before they send a search party.” He winks before dragging me away.
I’m no match for this man. He’s won another round.
“Cici, we’re really glad you came over for dinner tonight. I only wish we hadn’t waited so long. It’s wonderful to have you home.” My mom hugs me as our time comes to an end.
The beginning of the night wasn’t as awkward as it could have been thanks to Cindy’s staged run-in the other day at the office. I’m glad they put their opinions aside and asked about my life in Bozeman. They were genuinely interested in what I was doing and, thankfully, seemed to have no bitterness. They even commented how they’d like to have me back permanently. They never apologized for their behavior, though, and that bothers me. There’s something else that’s eatingat me, too, but I haven’t put my finger on it yet. All in all, the night was a success, and I’m relieved we’re talking again.
“Thanks, Mom. It’s nice tobehome. I’m glad we cleared the air.”
Then my dad takes a turn to squeeze me goodbye. “We love you, sweetheart. I might have an idea where your stubbornness comes from.” We both chuckle.
“Yeah, that’s what Cindy said. I love you guys.”
“You’ll be here next week for dinner?” my mom asks once more on my way out the door. We’ve decided to do this weekly until I leave.
“Yep. Let me know if you want me to bring anything. Goodnight,” I say as I fly out the door and shut it behind me. I’m anxious to get to Eli’s, which has become the norm these days. Tonight, he’s waiting to hear how it went, and I’m looking forward to his take on things.
Eli listens as I recount the details of our reconciliation while we sit in the living room and share a bottle of wine. I’ve been here so much recently, it’s starting to feel like home, which is very dangerous.
“They said they were proud of me for stepping in and handling things so well. That’s great and all, but I want them to be proud ofmyaccomplishments, not only what they deem worthy,” I explain, getting closer to what annoyed me about the whole thing.
“It’s a promising start after a huge rift like that. I’m sure it won’t go away overnight,” Eli states calmly.
“You’re right. But it’s hard to let go of the resentment I’ve been carrying for so long.”
“Letting go and forgiveness are two different things. To forgive them doesn’t mean you have to let it go, but it could help you move on. Forgiving someone is difficult, but the more you practice, the easier it becomes. And remember, it’s probably just as hard for them to acknowledge the very things they’ve been against for so long. I imagine with time, you’ll both learn to move past it.”
“You sure it was an MBA you got, not a psychology degree?”
He chuckles. “I’m sure, but I’d probably be a decent counselorafter seeing one for the last three years. One of my dad’s stipulations in the will was weekly sessions to inherit.”
“That’s a great idea.”
“He knew we’d need it after what he planned. He thought of everything before he pulled the trigger—I’ll give him that. And honestly, I’m thankful for the requirement. It didn’t only help with the grief Sebastian and I went through, but in other unexpected ways. He and I understand each other better, and surprisingly, it’s been great for business. It helps me to understand where others are coming from and how to communicate with different personality types, which comes in handy during negotiations.” He winks.
