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Chapter 14: For the first time in forever

9:15 pm

I settled into my new couch, the soft glow of my iPad illuminating my face as I scrolled through and read emails. My speakers softly playing "If We" by Mariah Carey in the background, creating a cozy atmosphere. Beside me, Lovey was curled up, her head on my lap and her small frame tucked into a blanket, peacefully asleep. I look over at her with a soft smile on my face.

After a few minutes, I set down the iPad and carefully picked up Lovey, cradling her against my chest. She stirred slightly but didn't wake as I made my way to her room. I gently laid her down on the bed, tucking her in snugly, brushing a stray hair from her forehead. As I turned to leave, a notification pinged from my phone, which I had slipped into the pocket of my sweatpants.

Miles: "I know you don't wanna talk to me right now, but I'm outside your building."

I looked down at the text with a bitter taste in my mouth, recalling what he called me 2 weeks ago, 'Crazy Bitch'. I've ignored him and all his texts and calls and thought after a week he'd stop, but I was wrong. Glancing at Lovey, I left her room, softly shutting the door behind me, slipping on a pair of my slides at my front door.

I knew I shouldn't, and that I owe him nothing, but I would be lying if I say I didn't miss our calls and texts or how my name rolled off his tongue, or how I felt like the only girl in the world when his eyes were on me. After taking the elevator down, I walked out of my building.

When the doors finally opened, I stepped into the lobby, the familiar scent of the building wrapping around me. As I walked out, the cool evening air hit my skin, sending a shiver down my spine. I spotted him leaning against a nearby lamppost, hands in his pockets, looking both casual and impossibly handsome.

"Why are you here?" I asked, my voice coming out harsh.

He turned at the sound of my voice, a mixture of surprise and relief crossing his face. "Hey," he replied, pushing himself off the lamppost and taking a step toward me.

I crossed my arms defensively, my heart racing. "What are you doing here, Miles?"

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know I messed up, but I couldn't just leave things like that. I needed to see you." I stood there silently as he continued. "I," He let out a sigh deflating like a balloon. "Can we just walk around the block once?"

"Miles, If you're just gonna play these games then just leave." I said, turning.

"Rowan Please." I stopped, looking back at him.

"I'll stay but I'm not walking anywhere with you, I said after glancing up at my building, aware of the fact my kid is still at home alone.

"I miss talking to you. I miss... us."

A rush of emotions crashed over me—anger, longing, confusion. "You can't just expect me to forget everything because you miss me," I said, trying to keep my voice firm even though my heart fluttered hearing him utter those words.

"I know you had every right to act the way you did, and I was wrong. I was so wrong. Isaac and I just don't get along because of stuff that happened in college, and I didn't like the way you defended him, especially because you and him-"

"We didn't," I interrupted, lying through my teeth. We did, but I don't want people thinking I'm in the habit of fucking my bosses.

"Right. I mean, just the thought of you two together irritated me." He took a breath, his gaze steady on mine. "Rowan, I like you. A lot. You're unlike anyone I've ever met before, and I don't want to lose you."