“No, the winery is a family business. From what I understand, he wants us to use that for his branding. Or at least that’s why I think he wants us there. Again, I just caught the end of the conversation.”

“You got it. Don’t forget, you have a conference call in twenty minutes.”

“Thank you, Danielle.”

Thirty-Eight

Miller

For the last couple of years, I went through phases as I tried to move on from Claire. Forgetting her was harder than I thought. Nothing worked out. It’s not that I didn’t try, she’s just unforgettable. That woman leaves a mark everywhere she goes.

With me, well, she not only left a mark.

She branded me.

Her scent is utterly intoxicating and unique. I can close my eyes and summon the scent of sweet flowers and coconut. She became a part of me. It’s not like I fell in love with her in just a few seconds. For years, I had admired her mind, her talent, and during those days in Cancun that I got to know her, I became hers.

Saying I have a girlfriend isn’t all a lie. I’m stuck in that first step of grief…denial. Sure, I’ve gone through anger and bargaining, but it always takes me back to denial.

The truth is I belong to someone: Claire Solis. She just happens to hate my guts. This craving for her is so powerful. Every single day I wish I could touch her again. At least she’s near me. I’m not sure how we’re going to handle the visit to Gyles Estate.

For the past couple of days, I’ve been trusting my self-control but it’s not going to hold for long. I’m not sure what’s going to happen between us when I can’t resist touching or kissing her.

She’s going to cut my balls off before I even try to get too close.

Last night, I went out with Devon. It was all fun and games until he started scoring the catch of the day. I left. What’s the point of wasting my time trying to meet someone when I know they aren’t Claire?

When I arrived home, I wanted to knock on Claire’s door and beg her to take me back. I didn’t.

Today I miss her even more. My Saturday routine includes distributing the food Mom prepares for me at the family shelter and volunteering for a couple of hours at the LGTBQ + youth center.

By noon, I’m back home with my groceries for the week. It’s almost two o’clock, I already had lunch and I’m bored.