“I know. I was caught off guard,” he admitted. “I don’t share much about my personal life with anyone. I wasn’t sure how to handle it, but I obviously didn’t handle it well. I also wasn’t sure what you’d want to share.”
I hadn’t considered that part.
That didn’t mean I wanted to open myself up to further hurt. “I appreciate you coming over to apologize,” I said quietly. “But I’m not interested in pursuing things.”
“Well I am,” he replied without delay. “I like you, Em. I like you a lot. That doesn’t happen to me, and I realize now more than ever how much I want to hold on to that. To hold on to you. I’ll give you a bit more time—I was an ass. I know that. But I’m not giving up.”
I stared at him blankly, unsure what to say to that.
His expression softened. “I never intended to hurt you. I’ll spend as much time as I need proving that. But babe, I got to tell you, those soft lips hit mine, and that was it. I was done for.”
“You’re delusional,” I scoffed, despite some of what he said worming its way into my heart.
“I’m not as adorably quirky, kindhearted and gorgeous as you are. But I see things pretty clearly,” he assured me.
“There’s that word again,” I muttered.
“It’s a good thing,” he replied. “I wouldn’t want you any other way.”
“Goodnight, Travis.” I moved to close the door again.
“Night, Em.” He shot me a smile that was far too confident. “See you soon.”
Right.
****
“Should I just rename my brother ‘the ass’?” Sam demanded the next day as she approached me after yoga class. I felt badly that I’d been avoiding her texts, but I just didn’t know what to say. “I’m sorry if you were hurt by what you overheard,” she added, eyeing me worriedly. “Would you be willing to grab a drink with me so we can talk?”
I eyed her cautiously. “Sam, I’d love to. But I really don’t want to put you in the middle of this.”
She snorted. “Don’t you know I love sticking my nose where it doesn’t belong? And plus, I really think I might be able to help. Please?”
“Okay, but can we go to my house? I need to let the dog out.” I’d been gone for much of the day.
“Sure,” she agreed readily. “I’ll follow you.”
For once I was grateful for the ever-present Los Angeles traffic, needing the extra time to collect my thoughts. The blaring of horns and low bass rumbling from the car next to me offered a surprisingly soothing soundtrack for my muddled mind.
On the one hand, I welcomed the opportunity to hear Sam out, hoping that maybe, just maybe the result would be something akin to hope when it came to Travis. While on the other, that same hope meant I might just have to let Travis in, something I was terrified of for fear of future hurt.
I sighed as we neared my neighborhood. Regardless of my reservations, it was now or never.
“He’s so cute!” Sam exclaimed when we’d arrived back at my cottage. Able was all over her, frantically trying to get as much love as possible.
“He knows it, too,” I replied dryly. “Do you want something to drink? I have some white open.”
“Sure,” she agreed, still kneeling on the ground greeting Able. “I didn’t used to be a dog person,” she explained.
I watched her getting licks from Able. “Obviously, you are now.” I laughed.
“Trixie sort of changed my mind.” She shrugged, standing to accept the glass I offered her.
“They do that.” I nodded knowingly. “I wasn’t looking for a dog or a cat.” I pointed toward Buster sleeping on the sofa, far too lazy to be bothered to greet guests. “They found me.”
“I’d imagine you’re a magnet for animals and kids.” She smiled warmly. “And men named Travis.”
“Nice segue.” I held up my glass in mock salute.
