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I froze and hesitantly turned back to him.
He peered up at me with tired eyes. “If he doesn’t light you up, let him go.”
“Says you,” I whispered, feeling an unusual surge of emotion as I watched him fold his arms behind his head, and close his eyes.
He breathed out a long sigh. “It’s too late for me.”
I smiled sadly at the perfect specimen, who would be very much married in two weeks, knowing I’d never see him again. Drawing in a deep breath, and ignoring the twinge in my heart, I turned and walked away. Ending what was the best night of my life.
***
4
As I lugged my suitcase up two flights of stairs to my apartment, I couldn’t help but think of the man I spent the previous night with. Innocently, of course. Heat travelled through my body as his colour changing eyes flashed through my mind. Hmm, perhaps not so innocently.
I had never experienced a connection with someone so quickly before. Perhaps knowing we would never see each other again tore down certain boundaries that would normally inhibit such feelings. Especially for me. I rarely let anyone in.
When I unlocked my front door and pushed it open, I discovered something red, torn up and scattered all over the floor.
“Luuuci,” I groaned. “What have you got into now?” I knelt down and picked up a piece to decipher what it had once belonged to. Please not another pair of my shoes!
My Irish Wolfhound cross demon, came bounding over. He launched himself onto my shoulders almost knocking me down. Steadying myself as I laughed, I tried to push him away as he attempted to kiss my face. “Serves me right for going away. How’s my gorgeous boy?” I muttered, scratching his head before he galloped away.
I looked down at the velvety object in my hands. It wasn’t what I thought. In fact, it was much, much worse.
It was a rose petal.
Dragging my gaze across the floor, I followed the trail to my bedroom. The door was slightly ajar and soft music played within. My heart stopped and I struggled to move my feet.
The line of petals was like blood leading me to a murder scene. My gasp filled the room as I pushed open the door. The bedroom was bursting with roses and balloons…and Pete, my boyfriend, kneeling on one knee, holding out a little box. Noooo. No no no no no.
At the sight of the diamond ring, nausea set in and my hands flew over my mouth as I sprinted to the bathroom to vomit. Slumped by the toilet bowl, I tried to catch my breath and process what was going on.
After washing my face, I slowly exited, gnashing my teeth, to find Pete sitting on the edge of my bed with his head in his hands. Shit.
Wincing as I moved closer, he raised his despondent gaze to meet mine. “Not exactly the reaction I was hoping for,” he said, standing back up.
I grimaced. “I’m so sorry. I haven’t had much sleep and I’m a little stunned by all of this.”
He ran his hand through his deep chestnut hair. “That’s okay. I wanted to surprise you, and I guess I achieved that.” He laughed, but the humour didn’t reach his eyes.
I chuckled uneasily. “Well, I’m definitely surprised.”
Pete’s smile morphed into something more serious as he stepped towards me. “Josie, will yo—”
“Please don’t,” I blurted, jumping backwards.
He blinked rapidly. “But I—”
“You can’t ask me. Please don’t ask me.” He took another step forward, and I slammed into the wall behind me. “I won’t say yes.”
His shoulders slumped and he looked away, slowly exhaling. “Ever?”
“I don’t think so, no.”
He turned to face me, but kept his eyes lowered. “You don’t love me, do you?”
“I…I…care about you…”
