That feeling has been resurrected. Every email response is spreading warmth through my veins, and my feelings of embarrassment are slowly slipping away into nothing.
* * *
TO:JP Cane
FROM: Kelsey Gardner
SUBJECT: RE: Declined Invite Request
Dear Mr. Cane,
You couldn’t possibly be alluding to an erection, could you? I can’t fathom you are, being how inappropriate that would be. I suggest you consider very carefully your next response.
Yours,
Kelsey
My stomach somersaults as I presssend. It’s the first time since the wedding that I’ve shown any inkling that I still have feelings for him, that I’m hoping he’s still waiting for me.
It’s been a difficult two weeks, attempting to sort through my feelings, missing JP, and trying to remember who the hell I am. Trying to see my worth. Attempting to convince myself that I’m beautiful, I’m wanted, I’m needed. And JP, in his small way, has helped that progress.
Knock. Knock.
I glance up to see JP once again standing in my doorway, sans his suit coat. My eyes fall to his button-up shirt and how it stretches across his firm chest. His sleeves are rolled up to his elbows and he’s wearing that classic smirk of his, the smirk that has been stuck in my dreams for the last few nights.
Sitting tall, I ask, “Can I help you, Mr. Cane?”
He rubs his hands together. “You can. I was hoping to discuss some business with you.”
“Would you like to take a seat?”
He shakes his head. “No, this would be better discussed over dinner.”
My brow raises. “Is this a business dinner?”
“Yes.”
I don’t believe him, but I go with it anyway. “Okay, shall I pencil you in for next week?”
“Tonight. My place. Seven o’clock.”
“I’m afraid I’m not comfortable with attending a business meeting at your place of residence.”
“I understand your concern, but I can assure you, no one will be there, so there’s no need to be uncomfortable, Miss Gardner. You can just be yourself.” He stands tall. “See you tonight.”
Without waiting for a response, he walks away.
Unsure of what to do, I pick up my phone and text Lottie.
Kelsey:Oh God, he asked me to dinner, at his place. He’s expecting me there. What do I do?
Thankfully, she answers. Huxley is going to murder me when he gets home, I can feel it.
Lottie:What do you mean, what do you do? You go!
Kelsey:What if... what if he wants to get back together, or worse, what if he doesn’t?
Lottie:If there are two things I know for certain in my life, it’s that Huxley Cane was meant to be the man of my life... and JP Cane is meant to be yours. He loves you, desperately. Take the leap, the leap you’ve always wanted to take. You’ve told me over and over again that love is a roller coaster. You’re on the roller coaster, so enjoy it.
