"Yeah?" I turned back to see tension in his expression. I suddenly realized what was coming and grew tense myself. I could bolt, but that would be rude. Besides, Joe wouldn't hurt me.
After a silence, Joe finally spoke. "I know you don't want to hear this now, but I still need to say it... My feelings haven't changed."
My fingers tightened on the door handle.
"I know the timing's wrong. I know you're still dealing with him." He turned to look at me, eyes painfully sincere. "But I want you to know that when you're ready, I'll be here."
Then he did something I completely didn't expect.
He leaned toward me, slow and careful, like he was afraid of startling something fragile.
I should have pulled away. Should have said no. Should have bolted from the car.
But I didn't.
I just sat there like a deer frozen in headlights, watching him get closer—I thought, I'm just so tired. Maya's situation, the baby, studying, everything piling on me alone. Maybe I needed some comfort. Even just as friends.
His lips brushed my cheek softly. Warm. Tender. With restrained gentleness.
A polite kiss. A comforting kiss. But when my breath mingled with his, something long-suppressed ignited silently in that cramped space. Joe's breathing quickened. Like he'd suddenly lost control, the restrained kiss slid from my cheek to my lips.
The kiss shifted from gentle to urgent, carrying unprecedented longing.
"Joe!" I jerked back, body avoiding his.
He stopped immediately, pulling back like he'd been burned.
"Sorry," he said, voice hoarse. "I... sorry. I shouldn't have..."
"It's fine." I cut him off, but my heart was pounding out of my chest. "I just... I have to go."
I pushed the door open. Cold air rushed in like a slap across both our faces.
"Ella, wait—"
"Goodnight, Joe." I practically fled the car, ankle flaring with pain from moving too fast.
I slammed the door, hearing its heavy thud. I could feel Joe watching through the window, but I didn't look back. Just hurried toward the building entrance, fingers fumbling in my bag for keys.
Where the hell were those keys?
My hands shook. Finally found them, opened the building door. Open, close. Never once looked back at Joe.
But I didn't hear the engine start. That burning gaze stayed glued to my back.
Until I escaped into the elevator lobby. Only then did I dare lean against the wall, gasping.
God, what just happened?
That wasn't Joe's first confession, but that kiss... okay, it wasn't even really a kiss.
The elevator climbed slowly. I stared at my distorted reflection in the metal doors. My brain started racing.
Maybe I should give him a chance?
Joe was a good man. Kind, thoughtful, stable job, good to Maya. Most importantly, Joe knew I was pregnant and would accept my child. He could give the baby a father's love. Let the child grow up in a healthy, happy family.
List those conditions on paper and Joe was the perfect option. And if I could accept him, wouldn't that mean I could finally say goodbye to this two-year nightmare?
