Page 21 of His Curvy Obsession

Olivia sighed when she heard the knock on her door. She knew who it was. Jenny. She’d been coming by every evening to make sure Olivia was okay. Despite their heart to heart the other night, Olivia still wasn’t certain what she needed to do about James. He’d called her every day since she’d walked out of the club, but she’d ignored the calls. She’d ignored the flowers he’d sent to the office.

“You know you really don’t have to keep—”

“Hello, Olivia.”

Olivia’s heart started to race when she saw James. He was dressed in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. She instantly remembered the feel of all that hardness against her, pressing her down into the mattress as they’d made love.

“What do you want?” She clenched the pint of ice cream in her hands. Thank heaven for home delivery of groceries. Her freezer was fully stocked again. She kept her expression guarded.

“I know I have no right to ask, but may I come in? I promise I just want to talk.”

Instead of answering she turned and walked away, leaving the door open. He could stay or go.

She heard the soft click as the door closed and sighed. Was she ready for this?

James’s heart soared as Olivia walked away. It wasn’t exactly a happy invitation to come inside, but she hadn’t slammed the door in his face. He took that as a good omen. He knew he shouldn’t, but he couldn’t help running his gaze over her curves. She was dressed in a pair of yoga pants and a long-tailed t-shirt and her hands were clutched around a pint of ice cream.

She didn’t look any better than he did. Another good sign, even though he hurt that he had caused her such pain.

She put the ice cream on the table and sat down on the couch, folding her legs beneath her. She’d sat that way on his couch when they’d spent the nights in, watching movies and eating ice cream. Tonight, there was a mix of vulnerability and caution about her.

“I am so sorry for hurting you,” he began. “I know I broke your trust. Please, let me explain.”

“Explain? What is there to explain?”

James closed his eyes, praying. “Please, just give me the chance. I understand the way you feel, but I promise you, I never intended to manipulate you. I just wanted to be seen for who I am, not my wealth or status.”

Olivia forced herself not to soften under his pleading tone. The truth was, in the weeks since their fight, she had missed James terribly. Everywhere she looked reminded her of their laughter, their easy conversations. She missed his damn touch. “Why couldn’t you trust me enough to be honest?”

James saw the conflict in her eyes and longed to take it away. He had missed her smiles, her warmth. Her curves. He’d never longed for anything more in his life. “I’ve had my fair share of relationships where the women only cared about my money. And that was okay. I was using them too, I guess. But I never intended to use you. When I saw you walk into the bar, I thought to myself, that’s the reason. She’s the reason. The reason I did everything I did in life.”

Olivia wanted to believe his words, but that last hard knot of doubt was buried so deep inside her, she didn’t know if she could. “That’s what I thought too, James. I thought you were the one.”

Her words were so soft, James didn’t know if he’d heard her currently. “You did?”

“Yeah, I did.” Her words went straight through his heart. She was his one. His one and only and he couldn’t lose her.

He leaned forward wanting to take her hand, to reassure her, but he held himself back. He knew any gesture might scare her off. Genuine remorse filled his voice. He had rehearsed this apology a hundred times, trying to find the right words to convey his guilt and longing to make amends. “Then let me show you, Olivia. Hell, I’ll give away every penny I have if you’ll give me another chance.”

James held her gaze. He wanted nothing more than to wrap her in his arms, but resisted, not wanting to pressure her. Her silence twisted his gut, yet he vowed to accept whatever decision she made. All he could offer was his honest regret, and a promise to be open from this moment forward, if she’d allow it.

Olivia studied his face, searching for any sign of artifice. But she saw only remorse, and something more—a familiar longing she thought she’d never see again. A part of her wanted to say no, to protect herself from further pain. But a bigger part wanted to say yes. Wanted to hope. She remembered Jenny’s words. That everyone deserved a second chance. But giving James a second chance was different. If that second chance went sideways, she knew it would destroy her.

“I don’t know.”

“Yes, you do Olivia. You wouldn’t have given yourself to me so freely, if you didn’t trust me.”

Olivia blushed, remembering the nights in his arms.

“That’s not fair, using that against me.”

“Baby, I will use anything I can to make you come back to me.”

“James.”

He scooted closer. “I know. But please don’t shut me out. Let me show you how much I love you.”

Olivia stilled. “Love me?”