Derek’s face finds mine, his own dark eyes baring into my soul. “Esme.” It’s only one word, but God does it pack a powerful punch. “I’m fine.” I don’t even mean to say it so quickly; it’s almost like I’m pushing back at him for something. “What?” He asks.
Another step forward from Derek. He’s maybe five or six feet away from me now, closing in on me. It feels like I’m absolutely suffocating. “Then let me buy you a drink after work. As an apology. From your friend.” Is that what I want from him? Do I want a friendship, or is that too c
“Home sweet home,” I grumble as I slam the front door closed. I let everything in my arms drop to the floor and slowly make my way to the couch to lie down. The utter exhaustion that runs through my veins is enough to face plant down on the soft material without a second thought. After this
“I’m not playing this game any longer. I’m making you dinner, and the only thing I want from you is to find the courage and strength to open up about whatever it is that you’re struggling through.” Rolling my eyes, I respond, “Haven’t we done this enough? Back and forth, round and round, and
Speechless and somewhat curious by his intentions, I do what he says, drinking some of the water as he stands back up and heads to my fridge. To my utter surprise, Derek starts pulling things out and tossing them on my counter. What is he doing right now? Robbing me? It takes about f
I had thought it would be the most romantic day ever. There were two pieces of good news to celebrate today: my 3rd wedding anniversary and the fact that I'd just gotten a promotion. I walk eagerly to the man I love, stretching onto my toes to kiss Ryan. But he ducks, pushing something into my arm
“No way, no way!” Annie squeals as she grabs my phone from my hands. Her pale blue eyes sparkle with mischief. “Lily, he’s coming!” “Shut up!” Lily shouts, reaching across me to take my phone next, pushing a piece of her short brown hair away from her face. “This is absolutely crazy. I can’t eve
“Is that all?” Anderson asks after the silence becomes too stuffy. He’s frowning slightly, and I notice his posture slightly worsen. In my head, I’m thinking, What else? After all, when he arrived, he had no clue about my fight with Ryan. Does he even know today was our anniversary? For some rea