“I mean, it’s not like you don’t deserve a little punishment. Especially after the day we had. But that’s not why did it. She knows the best way to find yourself is through the service of others.”

“I would need to be lost for that too work,” I point out, cringing only slightly at my knee jerk response.

“I think we both know that’s not entirely true. Once upon a time, I stood at the same fork in the road you’re facing.”

“Did you take the right path?”

“I took the only path that included the version of me not behind bars or looking for my next fix. I got my happily ever after, too.” I can hear the pride in her voice, and it gives me hope. Maybe I can overcome all that haunts me and find genuine happiness.

For so long I lived my life hand to mouth, with my other hand waiting for the next handout. When everything finally started looking up, I let it change me. I let it consume me.

I’ve turned into a greedy, egotistical man who uses alcohol and partying to escape the emptiness inside of me. I’ve forgotten who I was and where I came from.

But I can change that now.

I don’t have to be that guy.

“Franny, I have an idea. Will you help me?”

Five

MAVERIK

Standing outside Willow’s home, I gaze up at the little white bungalow with cobalt blue shutters and a bright yellow door and can’t help smiling. Ironically, this is exactly how I pictured Willow’s house to be. Simple, quaint, inviting. Nothing about it screams extravagance.

There’s thought in the way it blends in with the neighborhood. Even the perfectly manicured lawn reflects a knowledge of drought tolerance and eco-friendly plant life in the area.

The funny thing is I can picture myself coming home to it every night, especially if she’s the one waiting behind that yellow door.

“If you’re here to gloat, I’m really not in the mood.” Willow’s gentle voice lacks her usual confidence. I turn my head and to see her red faced and puffy, like she’s been crying. I must’ve been deep in my thoughts because I didn’t hear or see her approach.

Shit.

“I’m not here for that,” I admit softly, feeling a catch in my throat. I want to scoop her up and soothe the wrong I’ve done, but I wait. I need to earn her forgiveness rather than demanding it.

Instead, I let my eyes move from her beautiful face and take in the sight of her. She’s wearing a long cream cardigan sweater over a pink top, matching yoga pants and a pair of tennis shoes. It takes all kinds of self-control from letting my eyes wander over her delicious body for too long.

“Are you going to stand here all night, staring at my house, or are you going to tell me why you’re here?”

“I was hoping we could talk,” I reply, vowing to do whatever it takes to see her smile again. Even if I have to crawl across hot coals on my stomach, I’ll do anything for her.

She scoffs, as the breeze picks up, riffling through her long blonde hair. The scent of scent of sunshine and coconut fills my nose.

Fuck me,she smells amazing.

“Nowyou want to talk?” She speaks the words like they feel foreign to her tongue. I don’t blame her. I wouldn’t want to talk to me either of I were in her shoes.

“I want to apologize.” I don’t know what else to say in the moment, except what I’m feeling—as hard as that is. I’ve never been a man who wears his heart on his sleeve, but after talking to Franny, I understand it’s the only way I’m going to get Willow to hear me out.

“I don’t want your apology. Please, just go.” She turns and begins walking up her driveway. I take two steps after her, closing the distance with my long legs.

“You can’t mean that,” I call out, hoping like hell for a miracle—something to intervene and stop her from walking away.

“Oh, I mean it.” She turns, letting me see the spark of strength she was missing moments ago. Only this time, it’s much weaker.Fuck.I hate seeing how much I’ve hurt her. “There’s nothing you can say that will right the wrong you did today. People suffered because of your damn ego.”

“I know—”

“No, you don’t. You have no damn idea—”