Chasing Forever (The Forever Series #1)(60)

Regan studied his classically sculpted face and then exhaled loudly. Parker was attractive, but being with him didn’t feel natural. It felt forced and empty. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but I don’t want you to think we’re dating.”

He took a drink of his wine. “You’re really hung up on Lucas, aren’t you?”

It was tempting to use Lucas as an excuse, but she knew that wasn’t entirely true. If she wanted to be with Parker, she’d had plenty of opportunities over the last two years, but she’d always felt as if something were missing. Sure, she liked Parker in a friendly sort of way, but it paled in comparison to the explosive attraction she felt for Lucas.

From that first second she spotted him at that party years ago, he’d drawn her into his orbit and, even after all these years she couldn’t shake him. She’d tried to be careful this time, but like her mom warned her, there are no half-measures. She was either in or out and, unfortunately, she went all in, and now she didn’t know what to think about it. The question was: was she strong enough to give him the opportunity to explain? She honestly didn’t know.

“It’s not just Lucas.” She pushed her hair away from her face. “I like you. I really do, but not the way I should in order to take things to the next level. I could try, but I don’t think that would be fair to you. I’m sorry.”

He looked away for a few seconds and then gave her a bittersweet smile. “Okay.”

“No arguments?”

He chuckled. “Would they help my cause?”

“Probably not.”

He kissed her on the forehead. “Well then, let’s put this conversation behind us and enjoy the rest of our night.” He held out his hand. “Friends?”

“Absolutely.”





Chapter Twenty-Eight




Later that night, she stood on the sidewalk and watched Parker drive away. There was no going back now. Parker would be her friend, but that was it and she felt relieved. No more push and pull between them.

Once his car disappeared from sight, she contemplated walking around the block for some ice cream. It wasn’t too late, and the shop was probably still open. She took a couple steps when she heard him.

“Regan,” he yelled.

She turned. Standing there at the top of the steps to her apartment, casual and sexy in jeans and t-shirt like only he could be, was Lucas.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, trying to ignore the thumping of her heart against her chest. Would she ever be able to control her reaction to him?

“You didn’t come to work, and you wouldn’t answer any of my calls,” he said matter-of-factly. “An ambush was my only option.”

She looked away. “How was work on Friday?”

“Lonely,” he answered simply.

Don’t cave, she repeated over and over as she looked down at her feet, studying the pattern of her sandals. “Sorry about that. I guess it wasn’t very professional of me.” She looked up. “I finished the motion though.”

He nodded. “How’s Parker?” he asked dryly.

“Fine. We went to his brother’s engagement party.” She wanted to explain, but she didn’t owe him an explanation. He owed her one.

“That’s what I figured.” He stepped closer to her and his hand reached out to her and then he stopped and brought it back to his side. “You look tired.”

She shrugged. “I haven’t been sleeping well.”

“Neither have I,” he admitted. He rubbed his hands over his face. “Do you think we could go into your apartment and talk? It feels awkward standing on the street.”

Regan paused. Could she handle having him in her apartment? Just standing on the street with him mellowed her anger and weakened her judgment. She watched a few people pass them, laughing and enjoying a Saturday night in the city. Finally, she gestured toward her door. “Fine, let’s go.”

Neither of them said a word as they walked toward the front door. Once they were inside, the tension and apprehension between them filled the air.

“Can I get a glass of water?” he asked, looking around her disheveled apartment. Papers and books still covered the kitchen counter from her work on the Motion.

She leaned against the counter. “What do you want, Lucas?” she asked, not exactly in the mood for small talk at the moment.

He reached into his front pocket. “I wanted to give you these.”

Regan looked at his open hand, and her stomach dropped to the floor. Her earrings. She thought he wanted to talk or explain, but maybe he wanted to end things in person so nothing happened at work on Monday. She grabbed them out of his hand, hating that one little brush of his skin against hers made her heart come alive. “Thanks for delivering them, but there was no rush. It could have waited until Monday.”

“I know. The cleaning company found them in my bathroom and mailed them to me. They showed up this afternoon.”

She started walking toward the door. “Is that all?”

“No.” He grabbed her elbow. “Are you with Parker now?” His face looked hard and unyielding.

She pulled her arm away from him and put her hands on her hips. What gave him the right to ask about Parker? He showed up at her job with Olivia, holding her hand, after he promised they were exclusive. “I’m not sure it’s any of your business.”