I thought about being in love with someone and being happy. But thinking about someone who wasn’t him was like gutting myself each time. Even if I had gone on a date or “fell in love” with someone else, it would have never been the same kind of love. It would never be theChristian and Lanakind of love because it is one of a kind, and it can’t ever be replicated.
“You don’thaveto go on a date with Levi, you know,” Nat says. “I’m pretty sure he isn’t even that great.”
“I guess,” I mutter. “But weren’t you the one who told me toget out thereandfind a new fish?”
“I said findafish because you were being eaten by a shark!”
“I love that shark!”
Her gape turns into a mischievous grin with an evil chuckle. “Oh, Lana.”
“I hate you,” I grumble. “I don’t love him.”
“Liar.” She winks. “Just remember, it’s your prerogative to be defensive. But you can still love him enough towantto forgive him, even if it takes time.”
“CanI forgive him?”
Nat shrugs. “That’s a question you have to ask yourself.”
“Hedisappeared, Natalia,” I mutter. “Disappeared.Forfour years!I… I don’t…”
“You want to forgive him,” Nat says. “And whether you like it or not, you still love him. You always have, Lana. You just have to give him the chance to show youwhyyou should forgive him.”
My teeth gnaw at my cheek. “How can I still love him after four years?”
Natalia smirks knowingly, leaning on her forearms. “You tell me. You’re the one who’s doing it.”
“And aren’t you still frustrated from all that sexual tension with Rowan?”
“I hateyouforthat.” Natalia sighs and dusts the crumbs off her hands on a napkin. “Give it time. You’ll see.”
“See what?” I ask, and bend for my shoes.
“That maybe you’rebothsharks.”
I tie my shoes and stand. “That doesn’t make any sense.”
“Doesn’t it?”
“No, because usually calling someone a shark is an insult.”
“Not the way I mean it,” she says. “I mean that you’re stubborn. Fearless, hungry, tenacious?—”
“Natalia—”
“You’re a good shark,” she tells me. “The best. Now go bite his head off and show him what you’re made of.”
I arch a brow. “Make him beg?”
Natalia smirks and squeezes my arm. “Make him beg.” I nod and she shoves me toward the door. “Now go. It’s almost nine and I’m leaving soon.”
“You’re a terrible business owner by the way,” I snap. “Your bakery opens at nine too.”
“Open at ten on Mondays because I’m here helping you!”
“And you won’t let me pay you!”
Natalia shrugs. “Pay me by making a grown man cry on his knees.”
