Page 49 of Miss Manage

“And not losing your temper when she asks for space,” he added.

Great. Another flaw exposed.

“And did I mention patience?”

“Jesus, Nicky. Don’t rub it in.”

He chuckled, the sound irritatingly smug. “It’s kind of nice, seeing you like this. Makes you human. You’ve had your walls up since your divorce. Considering what you’ve been through, you deserve someone who can make you happy.”

“I haven’t been through anything special. Millions of people get divorced.”

“True. But can I ask you something?”

“Maybe.” I knew whatever he asked wouldn’t be comfortable to answer.

“Have you ever fallen in love? Ever had a serious relationship outside of marrying Tanya?”

I’d never really desired a relationship. Throughout college and into my early twenties, I’d been focused on my career and hadn’t wanted anything serious. Then when Tanya had gotten pregnant, something casual had turned quickly into a situation demanding permanence. Marriage hadn’t been in my plan at that time, but I told myself I could make it work. I’d always made things work. But relationships didn’t operate on logic or effort the way businesses did.

When the marriage was finally over, I convinced myself I wasn’t built for relationships. That there wasn’t someone out there who could hold my interest or intrigue me enough to want to try.

“No,” I replied quietly. “I haven’t been in love before.”

Guilt pressed at my chest over the truth. I’d never loved my ex-wife.

As if he’d read my mind, he leveled with me. “Tanya wasn’t your person. You deserve to know what it feels like to find your person, Gabe.”

“Maybe,” I muttered. Maybe not. Considering my shortcomings, I wasn’t sure how much I deserved.

But damn if I didn’t want a chance anyway.

“Thanks.”

“Anytime. And, Gabe?”

“Yeah?”

“Patience.”

I hung up with a low curse under my breath but couldn’t stop the smile tugging at my mouth.