and you’ve seemed happy with me this past month. Did something happen?”
“No.” She sighed. Yes, Owen had forced her to question her feelings for Drew, but she knew in her gut she would have figured that out on her own. Owen coming back had only expedited the process. “I don’t love you.”
“Not yet, but we were getting there. Why would you want to run away before giving us a chance?”
She gazed at him with sadness. God, had he really fallen for her? Or was he more disappointed in a missed opportunity to find a woman who fit his ideals? She hated the idea of hurting him, but it couldn’t go on anymore. Not when she knew the result. “I did give it a chance,” she said quietly. “My heart just isn’t for you. I think it’s best to stop seeing each other. I really hope you can understand and respect my decision. I never wanted to hurt you, Drew.”
His gaze narrowed slightly. “Is it that guy you were with last night? The one you said was only business?”
“Owen and I used to date years back, but it’s not the reason I’m breaking this off with you.”
He seemed to process her words like an analytical spreadsheet. “I see. Did Owen say he wants you back?”
Shit.
Chloe owed him the truth, even though it was uncomfortable. “Yes. But I don’t know what will happen with us. There’s a lot of history I’m not sure I can get past. I’m being honest, Owen has nothing to do with my decision. But I do know it’s best we end it here. I hope we can be friends.”
She held her breath and hoped he didn’t push.
Drew shook his head and gave a halfhearted laugh. “Friends, huh? The biggest rejection of all, other than ‘it’s me, not you.’”
She winced. “I didn’t want to hurt you.”
The car pulled up to her apartment building. He let out a breath, then nodded. “I know. But listen, I think you’re confused right now with this guy coming back. He’s an asshole, Chloe. I would’ve never left or hurt you if you were mine.”
Her heart ached. Drew was right, but she knew after speaking with Owen it was more complicated than black and white. She’d always believed it would be easy to walk away if she saw Owen again, but only after two short weeks, real feelings were involved. She needed more time to make a decision if Owen and she still had a future, but either way, she knew Drew was not meant for her.
Drew touched her arm. “Take some time and space. I’ll be here if you change your mind.”
Chloe climbed out of the car. With every step farther, she confirmed she’d made the right decision. No matter how hard her head wanted it to work out with Drew, her soul sensed they weren’t meant to be. She was okay with that.
Her father?
Maybe not so much. Especially after he learned she might need to explore a second chance with Owen. But Alyssa would help soothe his protective instincts, and Chloe knew how to take care of herself.
She got to her place, changed into her pj’s, and finally had a dreamless, sleep-filled night.
Chapter Nine
The moment Owen saw the roses, he knew it was going to be a bad day.
He’d been hopeful to hear from Chloe over the weekend, but she’d remained silent. After their evening together, he felt they’d made progress. When he looked into her eyes, he knew in his gut she still had strong feelings. The connection between them hadn’t been severed—only bent. He’d spent the weekend tying up loose ends on the case and reaching out to some old friends to grab a beer and catch up. The rest of the time he thought about Chloe and his next move.
Until he arrived Monday morning to the flowers. And the card.
This time, there was no envelope. Just a fancy notecard with one line written in elegant scrawl.
Can’t Stop Thinking About Our Night Together.
The punch in his gut was brutal. She’d seen him this weekend. Even worse, they could have spent the night together. The idea of the woman he loved being in another man’s arms made him nauseous. Frustration warred with a deep-set panic at the idea of losing her all over again. He’d googled everything about Drew Dinkle. He looked like fucking Captain America, which sucked, but even worse? He was rich, self-made, and owned a foundation that helped the animals. He was everything Chloe was meant for—all