This isn’t me running from you. It’s me clearing the path so I can run to you.
I spoke to my mother, and she knows everything. I didn’t want to put you in a position where you thought you needed to protect me. She respects you, and I never want to jeopardize the friendship you have with her.
Please take this time to think about what you want. I want it all, but I’ll take whatever you’ll offer. It wasn’t until you walked away that I realized how much I love you and how much I lost.
Yours Forever,
Damon
PS – I changed the code on the gate to 0310. It’s the day my life began. It’s the day I met you.
His letter leaves me speechless. He loves me, and I believe him.
As the days pass, I fall into a routine. Each morning, there are flowers and a handwritten note from Damon. Every one of them ends with “I love you.”
I glimpsed him climbing into the elevator once. He blew me a kiss before the door closed.
By the time I made it to his office, he was gone, but Greta handed me a note.
I love you. Wait for me.
Yours Forever,
Damon
Monday night, I dine with Chris and Trevor, who are moving in the right direction. Tuesday, Rose and I eat at the Greek restaurant and talk in-depth about the situation between Damon and Roman.
Emma spends most of her time with Anthony, but they always invite me to whatever they’re doing. I always decline because watching them makes me miss Damon more.
Rose is having a party for a colleague who is retiring and has enlisted my help.
She says I met him at the Philharmonic, but I don’t remember. Damon was right, she introduced me to everyone but the orchestra.
The extravagant affair is at her Brentwood estate this weekend, and I’m grateful she keeps me busy because left on my own, my mind wanders to Damon and what he’s up to.
As if I summoned him. His name pops up on my phone. “Damon,” I say breathlessly. “Where are you?”
“I’m close, Angel. Open the door.”
I drop my phone and run to the front door. When I swing it open, he’s standing there, wearing jeans, a snug T-shirt and a smile.
I fling myself into his arms and press my lips to his while he grabs my bottom and lifts me.
“What a greeting. Can we do that again?” His eyes are clear, and his complexion is healthy. He looks damn good.
“You want to go outside and have me open the door again? Can’t we continue the kisses?”
“Definitely kisses, and then we need to talk.”
My heart drops to my stomach. Is this where he tells me he doesn’t love me? That thought goes out the window when he kisses me again. A man who doesn’t love me or need me wouldn’t kiss me like his life depended on it.
When we’re breathless, he carries me to the couch and sets me down.
“God, I’ve missed you.”
I scoot as close to him as I can without crawling onto his lap. “Where have you been?”
He smiles. “I told you. I’m clearing a path. I sold my childhood house. I spent time at Roman’s grave. I even talked to Mara.”
I stiffen when he mentions her name. “Mara got to see you, and I didn’t?”
He tugs me onto his lap. “No, Angel. We talked on the phone.”
“Why did she do it?”
“She doesn’t know, and I’m not going to guess. I think she’s sorry. One thing I told her was we can’t ever go back. We need to move forward. She’s in the past and has no place in my future.” He caresses my cheek with his knuckles and looks deep into my eyes. “I love you.”
“I love you too, but why couldn’t I help you?”
“This was something I needed to do alone. That’s why I told you I’d be back and asked you to wait. I love you, Katarina. I think I loved you that first night, but I didn’t recognize the truth.”
“Will you stay with me tonight?”
He leans in until we touch foreheads. “That sounds amazing, but I can’t. Mom’s having her shindig tomorrow, and she needs my help.”
Disappointment weighs me down.
“You’ll be there tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow and always.” He moves me from his lap and stands. “I’ll see you then.” He presses the sweetest kiss to my lips before he leaves. Only this time, I know I’ll see him again.
Chapter Thirty-Two
I arrive early at Rose’s place. I still can’t get over the beauty of the gardens. The caterers set up tables throughout the space so guests can enjoy both the indoor and outdoor areas. People will arrive at six o’clock.
“You’re here.” Rose rushes over and kisses my cheek. She stands back and looks at my green maxi dress. “You look lovely.” She takes my arm and guides me to a room down a hallway.
“Feel free to wear what you’re wearing, but I shopped yesterday and found this beautiful ice-blue cocktail dress on sale at Nordie’s. You absolutely do not have to wear it, but it reminds me of the dress Damon bought you for the Philharmonic.”
“Is he here?”
“Not yet. He called and said he’s running late, but he’ll be here.”
The disappointment pulls my shoulders forward. I miss him because I miss our life together. I miss sex, his smile, and his bossiness. I miss everything about him.
Rose lifts my chin. “Don’t worry, he’s coming.” She nods toward the dress hanging from a knob on the nearby dresser. “Wear the dress, or don’t wear it. It’s up to you.” She kisses my cheek. “Everything will be wonderful.” She leaves me alone with a dress the exact color of Damon’s eyes.
I slip into it and find that it fits perfectly. Something tells me Rose didn’t buy this dress either. The fit is too perfect, and the style is more Damon than his mother.
People trickle in, and by six thirty, the party is in full swing. It’s not a dinner, but drinks and appetizers. I graze the tables and wait like everyone else for the guest of honor to arrive. I’m more antsy because Damon is still MIA. My eyes are constantly on the door, watching for him.
Rose stands on the second step of the grand staircase and taps her wineglass with a spoon. I turn to scan the crowd, still looking for Damon but glimpse someone who looks like Em. I take a step in that direction but realize there’s another stunning redhead at the party.
“Where are you headed, young lady? I need you here with me.” Rose waves me over and points to a spot in front of the stairs. “Stand right there.”
“Ladies and gentlemen, thanks for coming today,” Rose walks up the stairs to stand a level above. “This is a special time in my life. As you know, I lost a husband and a son to cancer, and I nearly lost Damon to oversight and ignorance. A wonderful woman named Katarina Cross met my son and changed his life forever. She gave him love, encouragement, and hope for a bright future. She’s here tonight under the guise of throwing a retirement party for a colleague.” She spreads her arms to the crowd. “All of you are here because you either know my son or you know Katarina. Damon is here tonight because he’s helplessly in love.”
A thousand butterflies swarm my insides. Damon steps out a nearby room and joins his mother at the top of the stairs. He’s dressed in a black tuxedo that fits him to perfection. He smiles, but it’s not just his lips, it’s his eyes that smile too; eyes full of love, hope, and passion.