Chapter 22

He crushes me to him, wrapping those arms tightly around me, pulling me into his body, so we’re almost one.

“Emma…” The pain in his voice matches mine, grabbing me so close that he’s squeezing me. “You think I would ever be that stupid again? This last week has destroyed me. Do you know how often I drove to Queens and sat a block away from your apartment, stopping myself from coming for you?.... About three times a day, every day… I had to stop myself because I knew you didn’t want to see me, and it killed me… I was right there, baby, when flowers were rejected and gifts thrown back. Because I hoped one of them might make you call me, and I wanted to be there as soon as you did. I swear I’ll never, ever hurt you, never betray you again… I’m sorry, sorrier than I can ever find the words to tell you… No one hates what I did more than me… Please, Emma, give me one chance, and I promise you I’ll never give you another reason to leave me for the rest of our lives… I love you. You’r