My heart hammers in my chest, and all the air escapes from my lungs.
He snaps his head toward me, shock flooding his face. “Annalise?” His eyes widen like he’s just seen a ghost.
Sitting across from my boss is the last person I ever expected to see again—the one who’s haunted me for years. The one I’ve tried to erase from every memory.
Maddox Kamado.
Myfuckingex.
CHAPTER THREE
maddox
FOUR YEARS AGO
I gently caressher hair as we sit at our secret spot—a beach cove we stumbled upon years ago—watching the sunset together. Streaks of gold and pink fill the horizon. A week from now, we’ll be eight hundred miles apart, attending different colleges. Each passing day fills me with dread. I inhale deeply, trying to memorize the smell of freshly bloomed roses and summer sun that seems to always cling to her.
“I really wish you were coming to New York with me,” Annalise says with a sigh.
I place a kiss on her forehead and interlace her delicate fingers with mine. “I know. Me too, Rosie. I hate the thought of being apart from you.”
Suddenly, she sits up straight and pulls away from me. I can tell by the distant look in her eyes that her mind is racing. “What if we don’t have time for each other? Or what if you meet some hot cheerleader in college and forget about me?”
“Hey, stop thinking like that.” I gently cup her cheeks and stare deeply into her eyes, trying to erase all the doubts from hermind. “You have nothing to worry about, my love. You are the most beautiful girl in the world.” I gently brush a stray strand of hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear. “I love you, Annalise Rose Monroe. I only have eyes for you.”
The worry in her expression begins to soften, melting away at my words. “There’s no one else for me.”
“I love you too, Maddy Bear.” She wraps her arms around my neck, kissing me passionately. I melt into her, savoring this moment.
“I know most couples split after high school, but we will not be a statistic,” I reassure her. “Youare the person I want to spend the rest of my life with.Youare my soulmate. No one else.”
Annalise’s eyes glisten, a huge grin spreading across her face. “And you are mine. I can’t wait to go to your games and cheer you on when you make it to the NBA.”
“And I can’t wait to sit front row at your fashion shows when you’re a world-famous designer.” I grin, reaching for her hand. “Maddaliseforever.”
“You are sooo corny.” She chuckles, shaking her head.
“Says the one who calls meMaddy Bear!” I laugh, scooping her up and tossing her over my shoulder. She bursts into a fit of giggles as I take off running toward the water.
CHAPTER FOUR
annalise
Maddox Kamado isthelastperson on Earth I want to see. As if I didn’t already dread working here—now I’m forced to be in the same room as him? I’ve avoided watching sports like the plague, so I had no idea he was even back in San Francisco.
My feet remain planted, fingers tightening around the paper cup as if it could shield me from the pull of his gaze. Despite my hatred for him, I can’t bring myself to look away. He’s undeniably handsome. Deep brown almond-shaped eyes, soft lips, and a perfectly chiseled jaw. His sense of style certainly enhances his appeal. He’s donning a crisp, pale blue button-up shirt paired with navy slacks and Louboutin oxford shoes. The accessories he chose add a nice touch to his polished look: a gold Cuban link chain, a Rolex Submariner, and diamond stud earrings.
“Wait, you two know each other?” Veronica’s eyes flick between Maddox and me.
“Yeah, we used to date.” Maddox shifts his weight, tapping his foot and rubbing the back of his neck. He looks as uncomfortable as I feel.
“What a small world. That won’t be a problem now, will it, Amy?” Veronica crosses her arms and narrows her eyes at me.
Oh, it’s going to be a huge fucking problem…
“Well?” she asks when I don’t answer her.
Placing the coffee on her desk, I shake my head. “Of course not! My history with Mr. Kamado will have no effect on my ability to remain professional.”
