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If she’ll give me the time of day, I’ll do whatever it takes to make it up to her. Maybe tomorrow she won’t be as heated and will agree to meet me before my shift. All I can do at this point is apologize like hell and beg for her forgiveness.
However, Kendall Montgomery is a strong, independent woman and getting a second chance with her won’t be easy.Chapter Twenty-ThreeKendallIt’s been two weeks since Cami and Eli’s wedding.
Two weeks since I last saw Ryan.
Two weeks since he broke my heart.
The morning after the wedding, he texted and asked if we could meet before his shift. I was still so pissed and hurt that I told him off and to never speak to me again. Then I blocked his number.
Since then, I’ve contemplated unblocking and messaging him, but I’ve talked myself out of it. Being intimate with Ryan and then hearing him be so mean has messed with my emotions.
Instead of dwelling on it, I kept myself busy. Since I couldn’t volunteer at the shelter on Thanksgiving, I started a canned food drive to help stock the food pantry. I’m overjoyed by how successful it’s been. With only six days until Christmas, several families will have everything they need to make a nice dinner.
On top of that, I met with my lawyer to discuss business options. I found a realtor I like and even looked at a few office spaces. As excited as I am for this new venture, I’m also sad that I’m not sharing the news with Ryan because he’s the one who pushed me in this direction. Perhaps forgetting about him is for the best. He’s admitted he doesn’t have time for a relationship, so it’d probably just lead to heartbreak.
I’ve stayed busy to avoid wallowing in my sadness, but eventually, it caught up to me. Four days ago, my emotions got the best of me, and I broke down and cried in the shower. It felt amazing to get it out. As angry as I am with him, I still miss him. I miss what we shared and the connection we had. I also miss the small things like his laughter and the way he looks at me. The physical relationship was mind-blowing, but it was more than that. I fell deeply in love with him emotionally too.
I just wish I had my best friend around to talk to about it in person. Cami’s been on her honeymoon at the cabin for the past two weeks and doesn’t return until this afternoon. I’ve texted and kept her updated with my business plans, but anything Ryan related has been off-limits. She knows why I blocked him and respects my decision even though she still wants me to give him a chance.
Piper: We still on for dinner and drinks tonight?I read my sister’s message and smile. She’s been dying to hear the details about Ryan and me, and I can’t put her off any longer. I also want to see her and catch up with her as well.
Kendall: Yep! Gonna soak in the tub, then get ready.Piper: Can’t wait! We have so much to talk about :)Kendall: See you then!As I start my bath water, I think about Ryan and my new business venture. I still need a company name and wish I could ask him for ideas. He’s brilliant and would probably come up with something I’d instantly love.
I hate that our amazing time together ended so abruptly. It’s hard to reminisce about the great memories when it ultimately leads to the pain. What’s worse is I would’ve done anything to be with him. Dealt with his crazy work schedule. Met him for lunch breaks just to kiss him. Made sure he had something hot to eat after his long shifts. I would’ve bent over backward and gave him my all to prove we could work. But that’s what hurts the most. It ended before it really could begin.
After I add some scented oils into the water, I slide into the warmth and am immediately brought back to the night Ryan and I took a bath together. He couldn’t keep his hands off me, and every time we had sex, another piece of me fell for him.
I shave my legs, wash my body, and soak until the water cools. With an hour until I have to meet Piper, I FaceTime Cami while I do my makeup.
“Hey!” she answers with a big smile. “Where are you going?”
“Meeting Piper at The Rose at six, but wanted to check and see if you guys made it home yet.”
“We did, safe and sound! The cabin was perfect. I know I’ve said this already, but you did such a good job decorating.”
“I’m so happy you guys had a good time.” I beam.
“That cabin holds so many wonderful memories.”
