connection we had. I also miss the small things like his laughter and the way he looks at me. The physical relationship was mind-blowing, but it was more than that. I fell deeply in love with him emotionally too.
I just wish I had my best friend around to talk to about it in person. Cami’s been on her honeymoon at the cabin for the past two weeks and doesn’t return until this afternoon. I’ve texted and kept her updated with my business plans, but anything Ryan related has been off-limits. She knows why I blocked him and respects my decision even though she still wants me to give him a chance.
Piper: We still on for dinner and drinks tonight?
I read my sister’s message and smile. She’s been dying to hear the details about Ryan and me, and I can’t put her off any longer. I also want to see her and catch up with her as well.
Kendall: Yep! Gonna soak in the tub, then get ready.
Piper: Can’t wait! We have so much to talk about :)
Kendall: See you then!
As I start my bath water, I think about Ryan and my new business venture. I still need a company name and wish I could ask him for ideas. He’s brilliant and would probably come up with something I’d instantly love.
I hate that our amazing time together ended so abruptly. It’s hard to reminisce about the great memories when it ultimately leads to the pain. What’s worse is I would’ve done anything to be with him. Dealt with his crazy work schedule. Met him for lunch breaks just to kiss him. Made sure he had something hot to eat after his long shifts. I would’ve bent over backward and gave him my all to prove we could work. But that’s what hurts the most. It ended before it really could begin.
After I add some scented oils into the water, I slide into the warmth and am immediately brought back to the night Ryan and I took a bath together. He couldn’t keep his hands off me, and every time we had sex, another piece of me fell for him.
I shave my legs, wash my body, and soak until the water cools. With an hour until I have to meet Piper, I FaceTime Cami while I do my makeup.
“Hey!” she answers with a big smile. “Where are you going?”
“Meeting Piper at The Rose at six, but wanted to check and see if you guys made it home yet.”
“We did, safe and sound! The cabin was perfect. I know I’ve said this already, but you did such a good job decorating.”
“I’m so happy you guys had a good time.” I beam.
“That cabin holds so many wonderful memories.”
“It really does.” I sigh.
“And you really stocked me up on the candy and booze.”
I laugh, applying my foundation. “I know you well enough to know what you need.”
“I’m already counting the days until we can go back.”
“I bet it’s gorgeous in the spring and fall. Do you have plans for when you’ll visit again?” I ask.
“I’m not really sure. Eli’s pretty busy with work through the winter until late spring, and now that I’ve graduated, my parents want me to get more involved in the company. But either way, I think we’re gonna try to make it an annual thing. Maybe during our anniversary week.”
“That’d be romantic, especially with the snowy mountains, but you better go prepared!” I tease. “You just might have an arctic blast and get snowed in for weeks.”
She chuckles. “Yeah, wouldn’t be the worst thing, though, as long as we don’t lose power.”
“Uh, no kidding. Did you know you can’t flush the toilet without adding water to it?”
Cami bursts out laughing and nods. “Yeah, the pump eventually stops working.”
Eli pops into the frame with a big smile. “Hey, Kendall.”
“Hello, Mr. St. James,” I tease. Even though Cami took his last name, everyone calls him that because he married into one of the wealthiest families in the country. “Married life looks good on you. Did no-shave November run into December?”
“No-shave honeymoon,” Cami clarifies. “He’s gonna trim it tonight or else.”
“Or else what?” I mock.
“No going below the equator. That shit scratches when it’s that long,” Cami says.
I snort, nearly poking myself in the eye with eyeliner. “Is it too early to ask about making me an aunt yet?”
“Don’t worry,” Eli chimes in. “We practiced twenty-three times.”
The devilish smirk on his face has me blushing. “Jesus. I think that’s the number of times—” I quickly