Lahat ng Kabanata ng WILL I EVER LOVE AGAIN?: Kabanata 91 - Kabanata 100

He chuckles as I take a step toward a lily and baby’s breath pairing in a vase. When I turn to face Apollo, the world narrows to the space between us. His brown eyes hold mine captive. The air thickens, charged with unspoken words and a promise of something I can’t define.I close the gap between us. “Thank you for the ride home, and for making sure I’m safe,” I say.He nods, his gaze tracing the curve of my cheek as I rise on tiptoe. The kiss—a simple brush of my lips against his rough cheek—is meant to be gentle thanks. But my ankle decides this is the perfect moment to forget how to hold up my weight. My leg buckles, and suddenly I’m a breath away from crumpling at Apollo’s feet. But his arms wrap around me and I meet his gaze, surprised as he keeps me on my feet.“I don’t want you to fall,” he whispers, his lips brushing my temple. Locked in his strong, steady arms, my heart begins to race at a breakneck speed. The problem is, I am falling. But it’s not a fall he can stop, nor is

“Well, you certainly have a type.” Amusement shines through in her voice.She’s right, I do have a type. Guys that make me feel safe, valued, important.“So he stayed the night, then left in a hurry?” Katie sounds like she’s puzzling over his behavior. “Do you know if he had somewhere to be? Maybe a meeting or something?”I lift both shoulders even though I know she can’t see me. “Not that I know of, but I didn't ask either.” Should I have asked, at least to put myself at ease?“Well, maybe he has all the same concerns you do and didn't want to invade your space any longer than he already had. He’s just a person, too, you know.”Katie has a way of saying exactly what I need to hear. “And just remember, you're not the first person to do something like this. You won't be the last. It doesn't define you and you’re stronger than any fallout that might come. You’re amazing, Em.”I don't feel amazing, but I'm not about to tell her she's wrong. “Thanks, Katie. You're the best friend ever; I

I want to hear both their voices, for the reassurance and calming they each bring me. But I’m still not sure calling him is a good idea - maybe I need to let him make the next move. I don’t want to be pushy, especially right now.I pull into my parking spot at my place and get out. Locking my car, I make my way to get my mail, only to have my heart stop beating in my chest as I see a taped note on the front of my mailbox. With trembling hands, I peel the note off, then gather my mail.Terrified because he’s been to my place, I hurry up to my apartment on the top floor. I only share this floor with one other person, a sweet older woman named Maria Leonor.And when I get to my door, I see a vase of red roses and another note taped to my door.Maria Leonor peeks her head out. “You have an admirer,” she says.I pick up the vase and offer the flowers to her. Her eyes widen and a smile crosses her lips.“I’m not interested in him, but he doesn't seem to get the hint. I hope you enjoy them,

“I meant what I said.” Apollo sounds confident as he doubles down. “No one's going to believe a word that comes out of his mouth after what happened in our office. Besides, how is he going to come tell anyone at our office if he's not welcome in the building? Security is going to see him at the door and escort him off the premises, and if he continues trying, he'll get slapped with trespassing charges.”The thought of Steven running to tattle on us at our jobs and getting charged with trespassing brings a smile to my lips.“Are we being stupid?” I ask, wondering what he’ll say to my concerns.“I don’t think so. Do you? If we let Steven dictate what we can and can’t do, that seems more stupid.” He lets out a soft chuckle and I couldn't agree more.“You’re right,” I say, letting the breath out of my lungs slowly. With it goes some of the stress and tension I’ve been struggling with. He’s so reassuring, and I’m grateful for this conversation.“Look, I like you. A lot. I don’t want Steven

I didn't want to risk it. I didn't want to jeopardize our careers, our reputations, even our futures. But I didn't want to hurt her or let her ache without offering some warmth and safety when she needs it most. My father's words ring in my ears. Life is too short to waste on regrets. I should follow my heart and be happy. I should find love and hold on tight.He is right; life is too short. And what I feel for Ellen is deeper than anything I’ve felt for a woman before. Deeper than what I felt for my ex, even, who’d I’d forgotten about until this moment. Ellen had touched a place deep within me that I thought would be sealed off from people for good after the betrayal I’d suffered.And I make a decision. I stand here, patting her shoulder awkwardly, trying to act casual. Then I wrap my arms around her. I hug her tight, feeling her warmth and her heartbeat while whispering in her ear that I’m sorry for what happened and that I'm glad she's okay. I tell her that she's strong and that St