Page 21 of Begin Again

Laughter rose up. More questions attacked her from all ends, along with the cameras. She tried to ease toward the open door of the car, pulling him with her, and the rest seemed to happen in slow motion.

Drew stepped in, bent over, and kissed her.

Bulbs exploded.

The kiss was short, leaving her staring at him in shock. He turned and gave his sexy wink to the reporters. “If you’ll excuse us, it’s time for us to have some needed privacy,” Drew announced. “Come on, sweetheart.”

She slid into her seat and the door closed. He must’ve said something else, because there was a few more flashes, then Drew climbed into the other side, motioning for his driver to go.

He shot her a warm glance, obviously not understanding the reason for her icy silence. “Well, that was fun. Everyone adored you, just like I knew they would. Did you have a good time?”

Endless responses swirled in her brain, but she wondered if they’d been on different pages this whole time. Drew wasn’t what she’d thought. He wasn’t a bad man, and she bet many women would love to be pampered and adored by him.

He just wasn’t the man for her.

“Drew, why did you kiss me in front of those reporters?” she asked.

His brow marred in obvious confusion. “I wanted to show them I was serious about you. That we’re a couple.”

Her temples suddenly throbbed and a bone weariness overcame her. “I’m sorry, I think we may have misunderstood each other. I’ve had a wonderful time with you, but I don’t feel like we’re right for each other.”

He blinked. “You can’t be serious, Chloe. Each of our dates have gotten better. We make an incredible team—we have the same interests, and I’m crazy about you. We have chemistry, 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.