I have no idea where I’m going. I just keep walking. I half expect him to call out for me, to run behind me and pull me into his arms. But he doesn’t.
He just let me walk away.
Sighing, I reach the marina and look over the quiet bay. The mega yachts sit pretty, the lights twinkle against the still water, and I feel a sense of peace float over me. Slipping my phone out from my bag, I snap a photo and share it to my socials.
Hovering my finger over Nora’s name, I hesitate but my brain decides for me and on the first ring I hear the sound of a throat being cleared beside me. Cutting the phone off, I let my arm fall gently as I turn around and see Cowan standing there.
“Oh, hey.” I smile at him and he undresses me with his eyes.
“Hey you.” He edges closer, leaning against the railing. “Where have you been?”
“Nowhere,” I admit, slipping my face down for just a moment.
“Then why are you all dressed up?” A cocky smirk is pulling at the corner of his lips.
“I was meant to be going for dinner.” I sigh, turning my face back to the quiet marina.
“With Royce?”
I nod.
“Then why aren’t you?” His brow raises.
“Because things happened.” I lift my shoulder, not willing to talk about it anymore.
Silence bounces between us for a moment and I turn to look at him. He’s slightly taller than Royce with blonde hair, tanned skin, and green eyes.
“Are you still hungry?” he asks.
I know I should say no. I should go back to the apartment and sleep this shit show of an evening off.
But I don’t.
“Starving,” I admit and a wide smile pulls at his lips.
“Good.” He laughs softly.
My phone vibrates in my hand just as we’re about to walk towards the restaurants. It’s Nora. I answer, bringing the phone to my ear.
“Hey.”
“Hey, sorry, I’ve just seen I have had a missed call, but I don’t recall hearing it ring,” she says, her voice soft.
“I called by accident.” I smile before we say our goodbyes. “Let’s go,” I mutter, sliding my phone into my bag and following his lead.
Dinner is lovely,we eat overlooking the marina. We speak about nonsense, really, but it doesn’t feel the same as when Royce and I would just chat.
Cowan is on his phone, texting whilst we wait for the bill. I don’t have a chance to fight him when the waiter places it down, he pays for it straight away.
“Ready?” He pushes from the table and holds his hand out for me.
“Thank you,” I whisper as I step in front of him and begin to walk towards the exit of the restaurant.
His fingers tease against mine before they’re curling around my wrist and pulling me against his body. His eyes volley between mine, his head tilting as he edges his lips towards mine. I shove on his chest, a flash illuminating us, and I turn knowing full well we have just been pictured like that.
Like we’re about to kiss.
My stomach drops, and I retract my hand. My brows are furrowed as I stare at him.
