This Time Around (Maybe #2)(5)

She nods once. “Sure we did. But the bad moments kind of overshadow the good ones.”

Does she know what she’s doing to me with each comment? If she wants payback, she’s getting it tenfold. “I don’t believe that’s true.”

“Yes, well, I tried to be a good wife to you. I was always honest, faithful, and loyal. I wasn’t perfect but I tried my best,” she shrugs like it doesn’t matter.

“You were perfect,” I cut in before she can finish her tirade.

She drops her gaze. “Right, well, I guess perfect wasn’t good enough for you.”

I sigh, “It wasn’t you, Taiya—”

Now, it’s her turn to cut me off. “It wasn’t me; it was you. Oh, trust me, Ryan. I know it was you. That’s why we won’t be going to dinner. If you care about me at all, sign those papers. Let me go.”

With that parting shot, she closes the door in my face.





Chapter Three

“I’m this close to forging your signature, Ryan,” comes a familiar voice. I stop in my tracks and turn around, grinning when I lay my eyes on her.

“Are you following me now? That’s kind of hot,” I tease, devouring her with my eyes. It’s been a long two weeks since I’ve laid my eyes on her, and I’ve been going insane. Trying to stay away, like she wanted, but not being able to get her out of my mind.

“No, unfortunately, the fates are out to get me,” she grits out. “Vindictive bitches that they are.”

“How so?” I ask, leaning forward. My brow furrows at the expression on her stunning face.

“I didn’t know you lived in this building. I just saw Summer and Reid,” she says, visibly cringing.

“Are you saying...?” Could my luck really be that good? I try to hide the smile now forming on my lips.

“That I now live on the fourth floor,” she says, blinking a few times. She’s wearing workout clothes, and has her curly hair tied away from her face. “Reid told me your apartment number,” she adds. It’s like she read my mind because I was just about to ask that question. She makes it sound like she’s going to spend her days avoiding me, but she’s here in front of me right now, so I’m not going to complain.

“You living here by yourself?” I ask slowly, hoping the answer is yes. If she’s living with a guy, I’m not going to take it so well. I may even go ‘Hulk smash’ on the bastard.

“Nah, I have a roommate. So listen,” she says, changing the subject. “I think we should be civil. Summer invited me out for a drink, and she seems really nice so I’d like to go. Only if it won’t make things weird,” she rambles, twisting her hands together. I feel like jumping for joy right now. Taiya is going to be around me pretty much every day (considering I’m going to find any excuse to bump into her), and Summer made her feel welcome, bringing her into our inner circle.

Best wing woman ever!

Summer’s going to get a lifetime supply of apple juice boxes for this one.

“I think it’s great, and I’m glad you’re gonna be around,” I say truthfully, trying to hide my excitement. I mentally picture myself fist pumping.

Her eyes narrow suspiciously. “We can try to be friends.”

“Friends,” I reply, trying to keep the venom out of my tone. “Sure,” I add, cringing with the lie. Friends is better than her jumping down my throat with her harsh words and throwing the past in my face, like she did the last time I saw her. I would say anything right now to get a second chance with her, and I’m not above playing dirty to get what I want. I’d do anything to go back in time, to be how we were. And I’m not above grovelling.

“Great,” she says, a genuine smile appearing on her face. A dimple pops up in her cheek, and my eyes are drawn to it. I f*cking love that dimple. I remember when I used to lick the indentation with my tongue.

“So where are you working now?” I ask her, looking away and leaning on the wall of the building. My jeans are suddenly feeling a little tighter than they were a few minutes ago.

Her eyes brighten, and I know she must have found something she loves. Dance. She must have found a job dancing somewhere.

“I’m teaching jazz dance classes at the rec centre,” she says, smiling widely. She loves to dance, always has. She’s amazing at it too.

“I’ll bet you love that,” I say fondly, smiling down at her.

She nods her head, and shifts on her feet. “I do. I might not own my own studio yet, but at least I’m still dancing.”

Taiya’s dream ever since I can remember has been to own her own dance studio.

She glances around. “I gotta head out, but I guess I’ll see you around.”

“All right,” I say softly, watching her walk away.

“Oh and Ryan?” she suddenly calls out.

“Yeah?”

“Sign the papers,” she says, waving before she disappears. I grit my teeth at her wanting the divorce so damn badly.

I head to Reid and Summer’s, not even bothering to knock.

“Sum!” I call out, walking into the kitchen and grabbing a bottle of water. I shut the fridge with my hip, and turn to see her walk out of her room.

She flashes me a grin and holds her hand to her heart. “I think I’m in love.”