I want you.
I love you.
But I don’t. Not yet.
Instead, I say, “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I should have.”
“Maybe it was for the best.” She lets out a quiet, almost defeated sigh. “Maybe it would have been too much pressure.”
I hesitate, searching for the right words. “In the future, I won’t keep something like this from you.”
A pause. Then, softer this time, almost disbelieving, “You really believed in me that much, huh?”
I don’t even think before I answer. “I still do.”
She clears her throat, shifting the conversation. “You’re still coming to help with decorations tomorrow for Tate’s birthday party?”
“Yeah.” The answer leaves my mouth before she even finishes asking. “My mom drove in for the party, so she’ll be tagging along.”
“How is Deanna?” she asks.
“She’s good. Excited to see you tomorrow.”
A chuckle. “Unlike your father.” I smirk. “It’s going to be awkward, Corbin.”
“For them,” I clarify. “This is Tate’s birthday party. We’re not the odd ones out.”
A quiet moment lingers between us before she finally exhales. “You’re right.”
I lean my head back against the kitchen cabinets. “I should let you get back to painting.”
Another small laugh. “I think I’m done for the night. I have to be up early to make the cake.”
“Need me to pick up anything?”
“I think I’ve got it covered. But thanks for offering.”
Silence. The kind that lingers, stretches, pulls at something deep between us.
“Good night, Jules,” I say quietly.
“Good night, Corbin.”
The call ends, but I don’t move right away.
Two years ago, I was a coward. Two years ago, I let her slip through my fingers when all she wanted was for me to fight. Two years ago, I convinced myself it was over.
I’m not that man anymore.
I want her back.
And this time, I won’t just say it.
I’m going to prove it.
Chapter Nineteen
Jules
