AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Get in the mood,” Michael said firmly. “You might have no other choice but to move on from her.”
“I can’t do that,” I said, raising my glass above my head to signal the waiter for another drink. The alcohol was the only thing keeping me together, even if it was fraying my edges.
“You should take it easy,” Michael suggested, his tone softening.
“I should, but I can’t,” I replied, the exhaustion clear in my voice. “Not when she’s all I can think about.”
CHAPTER 18
Lincoln
Another sleepless night bled into another grueling morning, the caffeine from two cups of coffee barely fueling me. I knew that by noon, I’d be fighting the urge to crash. The sweltering mid-July heat wasn’t making things any easier. I chose a tan suit to survive the day, knotting my dark blue tie before pulling on my jacket. The sun was already blazing when I stepped outside, and I shoved my sunglasses onto my face, the glare from the cars nearly blinding.
I hadn’t bothered to call an Uber, so I hailed a cab as one approached, its off-duty sign flicking off just in time. Sliding into the back seat, I sighed in relief at the reprieve from the heat, though it was barely nine-thirty. The temperature was predicted to soar to ninety-five by noon, and I hoped to be back home long before then.
The apartment I was showing was in Midtown, a prewar building that had been completely renovated. I just wanted to get in and out, maybe gather enough information to close a deal quickly. I had no interest in the usual competition between agents today. I just wanted to survive the day and get home.
The cab dropped me off in front of the building, and I stepped into the cool, elegant lobby. Dark granite, gold accents, crystal chandeliers, and rich wood greeted me. The designer had kept the prewar charm intact, and I appreciated the effort. I handed my card to the concierge, who checked her list and smiled at me. If I were single, I might have charmed her, but my thoughts were consumed with Erika—if we were still anything at all.
On the thirty-fourth floor, I entered the modern apartment with its industrial vibe, a stark contrast to the lobby. Polished concrete floors, high ceilings with exposed ducts, and floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a stunning view of the city. I left another card on the sleek granite counter and began my tour of the bedrooms and bathrooms, nodding at other agents as I snapped a few pictures.
Then, as I stepped into the master bedroom, I froze. Erika stood several feet away, her back to me as she inspected the walk-in closet. There was no mistaking her. I’d know the curve of her hips, the way her black skirt hugged her figure, and the elegance of her high heels anywhere. My heart pounded as my body reacted instantly, my breath catching in my throat.
It was the first time I’d seen her since she’d fled the marina, a week that felt like an eternity. The bedroom was empty aside from the two of us, and she hadn’t noticed me yet. Her heels clacked softly on the concrete floor as she ventured deeper into the closet. Determined to make her talk to me, I quietly followed, shutting the heavy wooden doors behind me.
“I’m sorry,” I whispered, my voice betraying the desperation I felt.
Erika spun around, her eyes narrowing as she crossed her arms. “Fuck you, Lincoln.”
Hearing her say my name made my heart sink. If she was truly over what happened, she would’ve called me Elliott. The tension in my face mirrored the lump in my throat, making it hard to swallow.
“Please,” I implored, the word slipping out before I could stop it.
“You did something I can’t forgive. It’s like my parents all over again,” she said, her voice edged with bitterness.
“I made a mistake. I told you, I’m still learning,” I said, taking a hesitant step closer.
Erika’s blue eyes sharpened, her anger palpable. “Am I supposed to forgive you every time you fuck up? Act like it never happened? How weak would that make me?”
“Not weak at all,” I replied, my voice soft. “Forgiving. I can’t do this without you.”
“Do what?” she demanded, her tone icy.
“Live. Nothing is good without you,” I admitted, my chest tightening with the fear that she wouldn’t forgive me.
She frowned, the hardness in her expression faltering just for a moment. “And that’s my problem?”
“It is because I love you,” I said, the words heavy with truth. I couldn’t imagine life without her.
“Our relationship isn’t right. You expect me to bend for your mistakes. I can’t do that. My mother did it, and look where it got her,” she said, her voice trembling slightly.
I closed the distance between us, my hands itching to touch her, to comfort her, but she was coiled tight, like a rattlesnake ready to strike. The tension in her jaw warned me to keep my distance.
“We can make it right,” I pleaded. “Just tell me what to do.”
Before she could answer, the double doors swung open, and a male agent from Callahan Associates stepped inside, his eyes widening in surprise.
“Am I interrupting?” he asked, glancing between us.
