Page 28 of Forgotten Desires

“I applied for charity funding. I have a good feeling it’ll come through.”

“Then I’ll share in your good feelings,” she says. Sienna starts to wake up, fussing as she does. “Sorry, she’s sort of moody after a nap.”

I laugh. “Aren’t we all?”

She gets Sienna settled again, giving her a bottle, and then turns back to me. “Now, tell me the dirt about Carson.”

I do, recounting the amazing dinner and how he absolutely refused to let me take the train, and about his daughter.

The car ride to my car just beyond the tunnel was silent, just the two of us in the back seat, holding hands as I could only imagine the pain he was feeling. I know the other side of it, what Layla must’ve been going through.

All of it so unfair.

When we got to my car, he opened my door, kissed my cheek, and said he hoped to hear from me soon. Then . . . he was gone.

“Why the hell didn’t you kiss him?” Phoebe asks rather loudly.

I glance around the diner, hissing at my future sister-in-law. “Could you maybe not be so loud?”

She lifts one shoulder. “I’m sorry, but come on, Brynn. You are not a nun.”

“No, but I make bad choices with men.”

Her face softens. “That’s not true. You were young and Jonathan took advantage of that. He was a liar and a manipulator. Carson seems like a nice guy who likes you enough to show up at a wedding to see you and then drove you back to your car parked in Jersey. I mean, if that’s not chivalry, I don’t know what is.”

I laugh. “Yes, anyone willing to go into Jersey on their own accord is a hero.”

“Don’t tell Faye that, she’ll probably try to kill us.”

“Yes, our Jersey girl who loves to remind us how superior the state is.”

Sienna fusses and Phoebe sits her on her lap. “Hello, beautiful girl,” I say to her and she smiles so wide I swear her cheeks might crack. “Are you a happy girl now that you’re all fed?”

“It’s the only time she’s happy. Or when her daddy is holding her. Then, she’s nothing but joy and sunshine.”

“Asher has that effect on women.”

“Don’t I know it.”

I snort. “Anyway . . .”

“Did you at least give him your number?”

I shake my head.

“Brynlee!”

“What?”

“You like the guy. He’s super hot. He’s nice. He explained everything about when you guys were kids, and clearly there is something still there. Why are you being a dummy?” Phoebe asks with a huff.

Did he really explain anything about why he left? He said his life was mapped out, but so what? I don’t understand how that excuses the way he did it. Maybe a part of me really isn’t over it.

I know that hurt still lingers and I’m not sure I want to feel that again.

“Well, the night didn’t exactly end well. I wasn’t going to be like, hey, Crew, I know your daughter is home and you worry constantly, want my number?”

Seriously, it was not the right time. Not to mention, I’m not going to get into any kind of relationship now. I’m about to start my company and give part of my liver in a few weeks. I don’t think any man in his right mind would be interested now.

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