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“How is he doing? His daughter?”
“He is well. Aisling is finally home.”
“Aisling is a beautiful name. I’m happy for him.”
“Ava,” I hear Max call.
“Thanks for checking in on us.” I touch my belly.“I’ll text you in a few days.”
“You’re welcome,” Oliver tells me.
“And Oliver,” I start.
“Yeah?”
“I hope you know how thankful I am. You’ve been like the brother I wish I had. We love you.” A tear escapes. He chuckles.
“I love you both. Now turn off the phone.”
“I will. Talk to you soon.”
“Bye.” He ends the call. I never imagined we would grow so close. I might not have Viktor, but at least Oliver has been here for me.
?
I change into my PJs and walk to the living room, where Max has a fire going. It’s become our nightly ritual. A great way to wind down. Probably my favorite time of day. I sit, appreciating the wonderful smell of the burning logs. It makes me feel warm and fuzzy.
“I got tea.”
“Always prepared.” I smile.
“I'll try,” he tells me, handing me the cup of tea.
We spend the next hour talking about life and dreams. He is such a wonderful man. In another lifetime and other circumstances, I could be happy with a man like him. He has so much to offer. Sitting beside him, looking at the beautiful night, makes me feel at peace.
“You are a wonderful man.” He turns to face me and leans in to kiss me.“What are you doing?” I move away from him.“Why would you try to kiss me?” I put the cup of tea down.
“I’m sorry. Just sitting here beside you, I can’t help it. I love you.”
“I’ve always been straight with you.” I say standing.“I don’t love you like that. You tell me you are ok with just being friends but obviously, it’s not true. I can’t stay here anymore.”
“I beg you, please calm down. It’s not good for the baby. I don’t have any bad intentions. I swear. It was a lapse in judgment. It was just a kiss. Nothing more.”
“But it isn’t. Max, I have been honest with you from the beginning. If I gave you any reason to think I changed my mind I am sorry.”
“You didn’t. You have to understand. It’s impossible not to love you and want to be with you. You are beautiful inside and out. You are an amazing woman. It’s not hard to fall for you.”
“I can’t love you,” I repeat.
“You think I don’t know that? I know there is no hope for us. But it doesn’t change how I feel about you. I swear being friends will be more than enough for me. Let me be your friend. Don’t shut me out.”
“It’s not a good idea. I’m in love with Viktor and always will be. I care about you as my friend nothing more.”
“I’ll take it.” He takes a step closer.
“I want to go home.” I start walking to the bedroom. It’s my fault this is happening. I should have never moved in with him. I wasn’t trying to give him hope when I chose to stay at the cabin.
“It’s late.”
