“Don’t worry. It’s a good process,” he says and takes a step forward. He kisses my forehead gently, then continues, “I do have a question for you though. One that I would love for you to answer.”

“Okay. What is it?”

He squeezes me tight and says, “When you were with Matt, what was one thing that made you sad when you were together?”

“Why are you asking that?”

He tugs on me. “Trust the process, babe.”

Unsure of where he’s going with this, I say, “Okay, um, one thing that made me sad when I was with Matt was…I guess he never complimented me, even when I dressed up.”

He nods and softly says, “You deserve better.” Then he leans down and kisses me. He pulls away, takes his phone from his pocket, and hands it to me.

“What’s this?” I ask.

“Going to need a selfie with you for my wallpaper.” He winks, and for some reason, when I take his phone, it’s the first time I notice he’s still wearing the bracelet I made him.

“You’re still wearing your bracelet.”

He glances down at it, playing with the elastic string. “Yeah, of course I am.” He looks up at me. “This bracelet says you’re mine. Why would I take it off?”

Chapter Twenty-Nine

WILDER

Scottie: Just got off the subway, be there soon.

I pocket my phone and stand outside the building, waiting for Scottie. I thought about picking her up at work but then decided to let her meet me. All weekend, I sent her text messages. Making sure to say good morning and good night. Telling her about my day, asking about hers. Engaging in thoughtful conversation. She even sent me a picture of her yesterday, sitting on her couch, looking fucking adorable in her tank top as she fanned her face from the heat.

I told her that I was going to buy her another AC unit, but she told me not to.

I considered disobeying, but I figured she probably got enough of that from Matt, so I practiced restraint and listened.

But fuck, it was hard, because I don’t like her being so uncomfortable.

I look to the left just in time to see her approaching in a black flair dress with her hair tied back and cute loafers. Smiling, I meet her halfway and pull her into a hug, kissing the top of her head.

“Hey, you,” I say and then pull back. “Jesus, you look good.”

“Oh, this is just⁠—”

I grip her chin softly and say, “Pips, you look good, really good. Do not tell me differently.”

She slowly nods her head, a smile peeking out on her lips. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

She playfully tugs on my beanie. “You know it’s the summer, right?”

“Nothing stops me from representing my emotional side.”