Dearest Olive,
There are so many things I want to say to you, but the first and most important is that I’m sorry. I’m sorry that I left you in a vulnerable place where you couldn’t trust in our relationship. I realize that through the weeks, I never said how much you mean to me, though I tried to show you every day.
I now know that it’s not enough to assume someone knows how you feel just by action alone. You deserve the words too. I just hope that it’s not too late.
Honestly, I wasn’t looking for a relationship when I first approached you. But you changed me. I knew the moment I touched you that I wouldn’t be able to live without you. I might not have realized it right away, but in my heart of hearts, I knew. I will never forgive myself for hurting you.
Vera, the woman who you spoke with at my office, is a conniving snake. She has been pursuing me for years.I should have fired her long ago. Everything she said is a lie. As for her reading your letters… they were in my desk drawer. Vera and Sam were responsible for the theft. That’s how she read those letters, not because I allowed her to. I swear I would never do such a thing.
As for not telling you that I was the man writing to you… well, I have no excuse for that. I liked the idea of getting to know you better, and I ended up learning more about myself and the kind of relationship I’m capable of in the process. I can’t apologize for that.
I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. I have three more words to tell you… but I want to see those pretty blue eyes of yours when I do…
Hopefully yours,
Harrison
I read the letter no less than a dozen times. My heart is in my throat, slowly piecing itself back together yet still choking me with emotion.
I read the last sentence again.
Is it really possible that Harrison feels the same way that I do?
Three little words…
That can only mean one thing. I want to ask Zoe what she thinks, but at the same time, I don’t want to share Harrison’s words with anyone, not even my best friend. It feels like these words are meant for me and me alone.
Now I just need to decide what to do with them. Do I trust Harrison’s words, or do I hide away my damaged heart so it can’t be hurt anymore?
I fold up the letter and put it back in the envelope. I decide to take a shower. Time to wash off the last couple days of sadness. It feels good to be clean. I feel refreshed and ready to face things head-on.
I don’t realize it until I’m already dressed, but I’m wearing my favorite dress and have fixed both my hair and makeup. I got ready on autopilot, but from what I’m wearing and how much effort I’ve put in, it’s like my subconscious already knows what I’m going to do…
I’m going to go get my man.
The cab ride to Harrison’s building seems to take forever. It’s late, but something tells me he’s still going to be at the office. The security guard gives me a nod and a smile as if he’s expecting me. I smile back, feeling lighter than I have in days as I make my way to the elevator. I get to Harrison’s floor, and it’s dark save for the light creeping out from under his office door.
I slowly walk toward the door… nervousness finally taking over. I stand outside the door for a long minute, gathering my courage. Before I have a chance to knock, the door swings open. I jump, startled.
“Olive,” Harrison says my name like a prayer to the heavens. “You’re here.”
I give him a shy smile. “I got your letter…”
He reaches for me, then drops his arm before making contact. I feel the loss more profoundly than anything I’ve everfelt before. I want his touch. I crave it. I’ve been without it for days, and it feels more like weeks… months… forever.
“I’m so sorry, angel,” he says, sounding gutted.
I shake my head. “You have nothing to apologize for. That woman hit me right where it would hurt most. I should’ve trusted in what we have—had,” I correct.
This time when he reaches for me, he doesn’t stop short. No, he pulls me against his chest where I melt into him. “Have. What we have… that is… if you’ll have me. I’m no good at relationships. I’ve never been in a real one… I can’t say I’ll always do the right thing.”
I smile up at him. “I’ve never been in one either. We can learn together.”
He gives me a relieved smile and lowers his lips to mine in a sweet kiss. “I love you, Olive. I never thought it was possible that I would feel this way about anyone. But here I am, head over heels for a woman. You hold my heart in your palm.”
CHAPTER
TWENTY-EIGHT
