Page 37 of How to Break My Heart 1

My laughter dulls to complete silence. We’ve had numerous conversations about meetingthe onethroughout our friendship. Though, no matter how often we’ve discussed it, the thought is terrifying. One person for therest of your life? Sure, it sounds fun at times, like when a storm hits and you’re in bed by yourself, wondering if it would be different with someone beside you, a man who made you feel safe.

I’m not one to crave children, but sometimes, a mother walks into my shop cradling a newborn, and I wonder what unconditional love for a human being you created feels like…

But it ends there.

I still want to experience so much and see more of the world. The only man I dated who was remotely serious was my ex Brady. It was college and we dated for six months. He wantedto graduate, move back to Boston, then settle down and start a family.

The more he mentioned it in the time we dated, the more I retreated and wanted to run. It wasn’t the right time, especially since leaving college opened up a world of possibilities.

Even though Brady was a great guy, I wouldn’t be here with my own business if I’d stayed with him. God knows, I’d probably have two kids now, since he wanted four in four years.

My uterus shriveled at the thought.

Maybe getting a dog or cat would be the compromise if I never find the so-calledone. I know plenty of single ladies in town who have cats. They have a club called Crazy For Kitties. There are about ten of them of all ages, and they meet every Thursday at the café for coffee and cronuts. To be honest, they have a ton of fun talking about their fur babies and the books they’re reading. It’s like a cat and book club all rolled into one.

“How did you know Myles was the one?” I ask, releasing a sigh. “I mean, you’re marrying him. So he is the one, right?”

“Of course, silly.” Maddy ponders quietly, then continues, “I don’t know. I guess there’s nothing wrong with him.”

“But, surely, there’s magic between you two.”

“Like orgasms?”

“Yes, but something more…” I trail off, lost in my thoughts.

“It’s just right,” Maddy quickly adds. “Look, all I’m saying is, I hope this guy is decent. He has to be. He’s a doctor.”

Something tells me Marco is decent.

But is it enough?

Marco is easy to be around. I love listening to him talk, and despite studying medicine for all his adult life, he’s managed to travel and see a bit of the world.

“There’s this restaurant in Venice, and if it’s your anniversary, the old couple who own it take you on a gondola ride andsing the song they danced to at their wedding fifty years ago. Plus, they serve you this delicious almond cake, which they also had at their wedding.”

My lips curve upward. “How romantic, but also embarrassing if you’re an introvert.”

“Very true.” He chuckles but holds my gaze, asking, “Have you traveled much?”

“When I was younger, yes, but now that I own a business, it’s hard to get away. My schedule suits day trips, so I try to at least go for a drive whenever I get a chance.”

Great, that made me sound like I have no life.

Why is this dating thing so hard?

Just relax. Marco won’t judge.

Inhaling a deep breath, I slowly release and feel much more relaxed. “My brother, Elliot, lives in France and I miss him. If the rest of the year goes well, I might visit him. It’s just that I’ve been saving to buy a place, so vacations feel less important.”

“Hey, you’re talking to the person who has student debt that will follow me to the grave,” he informs me. “So, I get that completely.”

I smile, sighing. “But look at you. You’re saving lives.”

Marco places his hand on my knee, and his touch excites me. With my gaze fixed on him, I bite my lip teasingly.

“Saving them, yes. One day, I hope to make them, too. When I find someone to spend the rest of my life with.”

I can’t hold back my grin, but I don’t want to encourage talk about the future. Part of me wonders if that is truly what Marco wants or if he is just saying it to get me to sleep with him. Then again, Marco doesn’t strike me as someone who needs to lie to get a woman into bed.