Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 93699 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 468(@200wpm)___ 375(@250wpm)___ 312(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93699 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 468(@200wpm)___ 375(@250wpm)___ 312(@300wpm)
Wow.
The box hung open, revealing a ring that resembled a cheap prize at a county fair.
Is that plastic?
“I figured you’d want to pick out your own after you say yes.” He slid the ring over my finger. “We can go to a jewelry store after this. You can pick out anything, up to five hundred dollars.”
“I’m not saying ‘yes’ to you, Jalen.” I freed my hand amidst gasps from the small crowd. “I meant that I never wanted to see you again, and I have somewhere to be. Have a nice life.”
“I forgave you for working on your failed business and coaching practices all the time!” He scoffed as I stepped around him. “The least you can do is forgive me for being impatient!”
“Tatiana?” He called after me. “Tatiana?”
I picked up my pace, ignoring his pleas with every step.
When I made it to Broadway, I ordered an Uber and sent Penelope a text.
Me
Sorry I’m running so late for your big opening day. Pleaseeee don’t hate me! I’m on my way!
Penelope
It’s okay. I told you a different starting time because I knew you’d be late *smile emoji* Don’t rush. Can’t wait to share a glass of Rainy Day Wine! (Non-alcoholic for me, of course)
Letting out a breath, I leaned against the window.
I still couldn’t believe that our deep-seated animosity from the past had unraveled, giving way to us becoming temporary roommates, then the best of friends.
We were so close now that I found myself telling her everything.
Well, almost everything.
When the car pulled in front of the rink, a long line had formed at the entrance.
Taking out my personal key, I strolled to the east side of the building and slipped inside. Then I headed for the elevator bank.
A car arrived instantly, full of staff members singing “Sweet Caroline” at the top of their lungs, so I waited for the next one.
Moments later, the doors glided open again, revealing a ballerina troupe stretching and spinning.
I sighed and headed to the stairwell. I jogged up three flights and opened the door, stalling as someone tried to come out at the same time.
What the…Travis?
His eyes met mine, and he tilted his head to the side.
My heart skipped a beat as I soaked up the sight of him in a three-piece suit, of the beautiful green eyes that I used to stare into for hours at a time.
He stared back at me without saying a word.
The only sounds between us were the rain attacking the windows, the faint winds beating the glass.
I knew I should’ve waited for another elevator…
I tried to move past him, but I couldn’t will my feet to move.
The sudden bout of butterflies in my stomach and the frantic flailing of my heart begged me to stay here a little longer.
Travis’s gaze traveled my body, and I finally found the strength to step back.
“I um…” I swallowed. “I uh—”
“Hello, Tatiana.” His deep voice stopped my world. “It’s been a while.”
I nodded, unable to speak.
“You look fucking beautiful,” he said. “How have you been?”
Lost. I bit my bottom lip to prevent that word from escaping.
This wasn’t how we handled things whenever we were forced to cross paths. He was supposed to look away, and I was supposed to walk away.
No conversation, no small talk, just a cordial “Hey” and “Hello” for anyone who happened to see.
A well-perfected rinse, wash, repeat.
Our memories suppressed and silenced, stuck on ‘delete,’ ‘delete,’ ‘delete.’
“You barely said ‘Hello’ when you came to Vegas for my last fight,” he said, continuing to venture off script. “Any reason why?”
“I am so sorry, sir.” I refused to let my heart have any input on this scene. “Have we met before?”
“I believe we have.” He smiled. “Several times.”
“No, I don’t think so. You must be confusing me with someone else.” I shrugged. “I’ve heard that I have a doppelgänger out there somewhere.”
“Tatiana…”
“No, wait.” I tapped my chin. “I think I’ve seen your face on an ad for premium whiskey or Calvin Klein before. Are you a model or something?”
“You once told me that I was sexy enough to be one.”
“I never called you ‘sexy.’ Moderately attractive, maybe.”
The door swung open behind him before he could respond.
A woman in jean shorts and a t-shirt stepped onto the landing, and for some reason, he didn’t let her move past us.
“I’ve been meaning to ask you something for a while,” he said. “Something I can’t quite figure out.”
“I’m sure Google can help.”
“Of all the people in the world to become ‘best friends’ with, why would you pick my sister? Better yet, how the hell did you two really find each other after all this time?”
“Sir, please don’t make me call the police.”
“For asking questions?”
“For harassing me,” I said. “I have no idea who you are and I’d hate to see you in prison.”
“I still have our old pictures and videos in my phone.” He stepped closer. “They won’t believe anything you say once they see that you’re naked in most of them.”