Feeling way better than I should for my childish behavior, I walk into the building humming and with a pep in my step.
THREE
IAN
Standingin the bathroom in front of the sink, wearing only boxers, I just finish brushing my teeth when there’s a loud rapping at my apartment door. I force myself not to smile as I open it, knowing who it is. Jaw dropping, Lilly blinks at my naked chest, putting a smirk on my face.
I clear my throat just to mess with her. She raises a brow and places her hands on her hips, looking fucking adorable. I might have blocked her car with how I parked last night.
“Yes, Lilly?” I ask, her name rolling out of my mouth like silk.
She tilts her head, glaring at me with anare you kidding me expression.
“Who gave you a driver’s license? From what I recall, knowing how to park correctly was paramount.”
“We’re doing this? Hmm.” I strike a thinking pose with my index finger pressed against my lips, showcasing my muscles. Her eyes lower to my chest.
She gulps as she sweeps her gaze over every plane of my muscles, unraveling me while boosting my ego into the stratosphere.
“This is how you open the door?” Accusation rings in her voice. If I didn’t know better, I’d think that’s jealousy I detect.
“Am I distracting you?” I ask. “And my eyes are up here.”
She snaps her gaze back to my face, a flush covering her cheeks.
“That”—she gestures toward my body—“should be covered. It’s too early for my poor eyes.”
Her poor eyes. Sure. Biting down a chuckle, I flex my muscles just to play with her some more.
“It’s you at my door at six in the morning, flower girl.”
The endearment escapes my mouth. Damn, whenever I am in her presence, I forget my mind.
Sadness flickers in her eyes. All that could have been spreads between us, eating at my sanity.
She sighs. “I need to go to work.”
With a dip of my head, I go inside to change, not expecting her to follow me. From my bedroom as I dress quickly, I see her taking in my loft, her dainty footsteps padding around the ample space. The windows stretch over the left side, illuminating the entire space. On the right wall, trophies line the bookshelf. She grazes a finger over them.
“I’m proud of you. You’ve achieved so much,” she says, looking back at me with a genuine smile.
Emotions clamp my throat tight. It’s at the tip of my tongue to ask why she left like a thief in the night. She stole a piece of my heart, disappearing without a trace.
No apology. No second thought. No remorse.
My body still hungers for her. I have been in a state of perpetual yearning for the last four years. Now that she’s here, I don’t know what to say, how to act around her.
Turning to me, she tucks a strand of brown hair behind her ear. “So you remember me?”
Her question is barely a whisper.
I will probably never forget you.“I do,” I say instead.
She shuffles on her feet, fidgeting with her fingers. “Then why?”
“I acted like a jerk. I’m sorry,” I say, dragging a hand down my face. She didn’t deserve my harsh treatment. My feelings are mine to deal with. It was her choice, and I have to accept it whether I like it or not.
To break the silence, I say, “I really need to get going. Practice starts soon.” Then I pick up my gym bag and head toward the door.
