Page 22 of Forever, Never, Always (Forever #2)

I’m instantly filled with regret, and I scrub my hands over my tired face. “Sorry. I’m angry because I feel like she’s stopping me and Sofia from having a life together. If she was to tell Sofia to end it, she would.”

“Then maybe that’s something you’d need to face. Because if she’d let Zoe’s pain stop her from being with you, that says something. Doesn’t mean she doesn’t care, but it might mean she’s not ready.”

“I can’t let her go, man.”

“It’s not your choice. Yes, love her. Yes, treat her well and show her what you’re offering. But ultimately, it’s not your choice. It’s Sofia’s. And if she likes you, then she’ll not allow Zoe to come between you.”

“So, is Zoe okay?”

“Jimmy let her sleep on his couch. She’s embarrassed by the whole thing. Asked him not to tell anyone, especially not Meg.”

“Yet he did?”

“Because he’s worried about her. And she had to be in a bad way for Jimmy to worry. He doesn’t do worry.”

“Should I go and see her?”

Hugo nods. “I think you should. Just check she’s okay and maybe explain things better.”

I groan, burying my head in my hands. “I honestly thought she’d be fine about the breakup.”

Zoe

Why do I do this to myself?

I flush the toilet, grimacing as the third load of vomit disappears.

I catch a look at myself in the mirror and groan.

Two nights of drinking has played havoc with my skin, and my glowy complexion is now dull with breakouts.

There’re faint traces of eye makeup smudged carelessly under each eye, and my hair needs a damn good wash.

The doorbell rings, and I wince at its harsh tone. I really should have maintenance look at it. I pick up the intercom. “Ms. Heart, there’s a gentleman in reception. Mr. Chadwick.”

My heart stutters. “Which one?” I ask, and he relays the question.

“Eric,” he replies.

“Send him up,” I say, slamming the intercom back and rushing to the mirror.

I run my fingers through my untamed hair, growling in frustration when it refuses to look presentable.

I give up and pile it on top of my head, securing it with a band.

I lick my fingers and wipe them under each eye then pinch my cheeks to give them a little colour.

I run to the bathroom and grab the mouthwash to hide all traces of my weekend antics, and then, as I rush back to the door, I spot the empty wine glass and grab it, hiding it in the shoe cupboard.

His knock startles me, and I stop behind the door, straightening a hand over my shirt, then deciding to release the top button. Eric had a thing for me in an oversized shirt and nothing else.

I take a breath and swing the door open. “A visit from my ex. That can’t be good.”

He gives a small smile that hardly lifts his lip at all. “I just wanted to check on you. Jimmy told me what happened Saturday.”

I roll my eyes and step back, leaving the door open. “Of course, he did. What else is there to gossip about but poor, drunk Zoe?”

He follows me inside, gently closing the door. My mind is filled with memories of when we’d tumble through that door together, me wrapped around him and us both desperate to get naked.

I drop down on the couch, lying back so my shirt rides up enough to show my tanned thighs. I work hard on leg days at the gym—they’re a work of art. “I was fine, Ric,” I say, tucking a cushion beneath my head. “I was just drunk. It wasn’t life or death.”

“You almost got taken home by a guy you didn’t know.”

“It’s a little late to be showing me your jealous side, Rick.”

He lowers onto the footrest and stares at me. “I’m not judging you, Zo. Just worried.”

I sigh heavily and push to sit, swinging my feet to the floor so my legs are slotted between his.

I lean forward, and his eyes dart down to where the shirt is now gaping at my chest. “Are you seeing anyone yet?” I ask.

The last time we spoke, it was when he told me he fancied my best friend.

Now would be the perfect time to reiterate my warning for him to stay away.

“I haven’t come to talk about me,” he mutters, and I see his avoidance tactic clearly. “If you’re okay then—”

“We had some good times together, didn’t we?”

His eyes pierce mine and my heart slams harder. “We did,” he replies with a nod.

“You’re the first guy I ever . . .” I sigh, hating how vulnerable I sound. “I ever allowed myself to see a future with.”

His expression becomes pained. “I never meant to hurt you.”

“Yet here we are,” I almost whisper.

He grabs my hand. “Look, don’t waste time being upset over me, Zoe. I’m not worth it.”

“I can’t help it,” I mutter, staring down at where his thumb strokes over the back of my hand. “And I hate that you’ve made me feel this way.” I lift my head. “Did you ever really see a future with me?”

He hesitates, and I withdraw my hand, not wanting to hear his answer as I try to stand. “Wait,” he says, placing his hand on my bare knee to keep me seated. “Maybe. But the longer we were together, the more the cracks started to show, and I realised we just wouldn’t work.”

“Why?” I ask, unable to stop myself.

He shrugs. “I’m a family man. They mean everything to me, and you hate all that stuff. You don’t like family meals or picnics in the park with everyone. And I love spending time with my niece and nephew, but I want my own kids now. I want a wife and two children, maybe even a dog. And you don’t.”

He’s right. I don’t want children. I don’t even like them, if I’m honest. I’d rather chop my hair off than get a dog, and that’s saying something.

And although his family is lovely, I’m not into huge get-togethers where they all talk about happy childhoods and plans for the future. But for him . . .

“If you’d have told me that you wanted me to spend more time with you and your family, I would have. And somewhere in the future, maybe I would have had your baby. I’d draw the line at a dog,” I say, and we both smile. “But you didn’t tell me. You didn’t give me a chance to change.”

He wipes a thumb over my cheek, and I realise a tear has escaped as he smudges it.

He offers a warm smile, one that feels like home, and I find myself leaning into his hand.

“But that’s just it, Zoe. I didn’t want you to change.

You’re perfect as you are. Unapologetic.

A little crazy. Strong. And you’re not afraid to say what you want.

You shouldn’t have to change for any man. ”

I swallow the lump in my throat. “I do know what I want,” I say with a nod, and then I lean forward, and before either of us register it, I press my lips to his.

It’s barely two seconds before he pulls back, a mixture of confusion and horror on his face. “No,” he says clearly. “Please don’t.”

I’m mortified, but I force out a tight laugh and push to stand. “Right. Of course,” I mutter, folding my arms over my chest. “I misread the signals.”

“Zoe—”

“No, it’s fine,” I say a little too quickly. “Thanks for checking in, but as you can see, I’m good. You can go now.”

He stands too, and I step back to keep distance between us. He frowns at the movement and then heads for the door. I don’t follow him. I can’t bear to do the whole awkward exchange, so I turn my back and stare out the window, closing my eyes in relief when I hear the door open and close. Shit.