still pretty new,” she admits. “It was just over a week ago we really admitted our feelings for each other and decided to give it a go.”
I’m fascinated about this and have about a dozen follow-up questions, all of which Anna patiently answers. They’re more focused on what Jameson does, because other than that brief glimpse of Cage crashing through a window to save me, I really have no idea. Anna is a great source of information.
When I’ve exhausted my curiosities about Jameson, and note the dangers for further discussions if I ever do talk with Cage about it again, Anna gives me a pointed look. “You ready to talk about your husband now?”
The word “husband” sounds foreign. Yet, it causes somewhat of a yearning sensation within me. “I’m guessing you want me to give him another chance.”
“I want you to listen to him at a minimum,” she replies softly. “He deserves at least some time devoted to allowing him to explain himself.”
“He’s already explained why he lied,” I say defensively. “I’m clear on his reasons.”
“Then I suspect your reticence merely has to do with whether you trust his character now,” Anna concludes.
I admit to her the revelation I’d had not moments before she showed up that, for the most part, I think he genuinely made a stupid mistake and hadn’t meant to hurt me. “But what if I’m wrong? What if I give this a shot… and we’re not just talking about dating. We’re married, so that means I give marriage an honest try. And what if it doesn’t work out?”
“But what if it does?” she counters. “And if, for the most part, you think Cage is the decent man you fell in love with—minus the lie about his profession—then why wouldn’t you take that risk?”
“I know, I know, I know,” I say, bolting up from the couch in frustration. “I’ve had this conversation with myself a dozen times just today alone. I don’t know what’s holding me back.”
“Fear,” Anna says simply. “It’s something I understand well. Malik and I both had it. Love is scary, and we’re at risk of getting hurt. You’re acting like a human, Jaime. It’s not rocket science about why you’re wary.”
“You make it sound so straightforward and easy,” I mutter.
“Not at all. Love is hard. Trust is delicate. You and Cage have work to do. I’m merely saying to sit down and see if you have the courage to give it a shot.”
I don’t know what will happen to Cage and me, but I do know Anna is providing strong validation for what I was already starting to figure out myself. I need to at least talk this out with Cage.
And, if we can ultimately get past this weird place in our relationship, I have a distinct feeling Anna and I could become very good friends.
CHAPTER 28
Cage
Jaime invited me over, and I don’t know how to take it. I’ve been the one pursuing her this past week, and she’s been the one putting me off.
It’s Saturday evening, exactly one week since she was kidnapped. Three days since I saw her last on Christmas Eve.
Her invitation was on my phone—via text—when I woke up this morning, so I hadn’t even had time to do my usual outreach to her to ask if we could talk. Sometime during Friday night, she determined it was time without me prompting it.
I’m not sure if that bodes well.
If it’s bad, it’s most likely because she’s come to some sort of conclusion or decision on her own without giving me a chance to talk about it, which, in turn, will probably mean she wants to cut ties.
Best-case scenario—if it’s good—she’s decided to forgive me for my stupid decisions and wants to give us a shot.
I’d also accept just a willingness on her part to listen, so I arrive at her apartment at seven PM as requested, armed with several items to help sway her to my side. Even if her first words are, “It’s over,” I’m still going to insist she listen to what I have to say.
I knock on the door. When it opens, my breath catches. It’s usually what happens when I see her. Tonight her hair is in a braid that hangs over one shoulder, her face free of makeup. She has on a pair of leggings, a bulky sweater, and thick fuzzy socks. I want to snatch her up, cuddle with her on the couch, and watch a movie. That’s what she inspires at this