He trailed them at a distance as they strolled to another nearby building. His stomach twisted as they entered together, his mind conjuring a dozen unwelcome scenarios
felt a pathetic surge of hope–maybe they weren’t really together. Maybe
Just as he was about to do something stupid. Tyler emerged alone and drove off. Dylan fo this was all an elaborate show to make ham jealous.
The next morning, Dylan made sure he looked impeccable–designer suit, fresh haircut, just the right amount of cologne. He stopped at Winston Flowers for a ridiculous arrangement of white peonies before heading to her door.
Harper, padding around in flannel pajama pants and a Boston University sweatshirt, heard knocking and assumed it was Tyler returning with the coffee he’d promised.
“Did you forget your key again?” she called through the door, unlocking it without checking.
When she saw Dylan standing there, she instantly tried to slam the door shut. He wedged his Talian leather shoe in the gap, thrusting the massive bouquet toward ber
“How the hell did you find my address?” she demanded, ignoring the flowers completely. “Have you been following me?“||
Dylan bypassed her question entirely. “Harper, I’ve made a catastrophic mistake. I need you to bear me out–]
Harper wasn’t remotely interested in whatever rehearsed monologue he’d prepared. She shaved harder against the door, desperate to end this ambush []
Dylan’s superior strength was winning the battle when the elevator dinged. Tyler stepped out, balancing a cardboard tray of coffees and a bag from Harper’s favorite bakery. Taking in the situation instantly, he set everything down and moved to Harper’s side, positioning himself between her and Dylan.
“Back the hell up. B
Rodriguez, he warned, voice deadly calm
Dylan barely spared Tyler a glance, his focus entirely on Harper.]]
“kuby and I are done,” he announced, as if delivering life–changing news. “I was completely wrong about everything, but I’ve finally figured out what I want
He dismissed Tyler with a condescending look. “You don’t need to keep up this charade to get my attention. It worked–I’m here now.“||
Harper’s jaw literally dropped at his presumption.
“Are you actually serious right now? Tyler and 1 are together because he’s thoughtful and kind and doesn’t treat people like disposable accessories. This has absolutely nothing to do with you. I told you at the competition–we’re done. Completely and permanently done
Dylan refused to process her words, stubbornly recounting stories of how she had pursued him for years, as if her past behavior somehow entitled him to her affecting now.
Harper finally lost it. “Dylan
“Dylan, STOP: I don’t remember any of it just leave me alusel
Dylan froze mid–sentence. What are you talking abour-||
When you ditched me for Ruby that night, I ended up in an accident. I have amnesia. I have zero memory of those seven years I supposedly spent obsessing over you –
Dylan looked like he’d been gut punched. Without those shared memories–without her history of devotion–there was nothing tying her to him anymore.“] “But that’s not possible.” he stammered, voice suddenly horse. “You always said you’d never forget what we had-“||
lant this exactly what you wanted? Harper cut him off. “You spent years complaining about ve ‘stalking you. Well, congratulations-wish forgotten everything about you, and you should be thrilled about i
grated I’ve
understand.” Dylan protested desperately. I realized I have feelings for you–I just didn’t see it until-
Tyler, sering that Harper had said everything she needed to, stepped forward to end this pathetic scene [
she’s been crystal dear, Rodriguer. If you show up here again or contact her in any way, we’ll get a restraining order. Unlike Harper, I dont have an ounce of sympathy left for you”
With that he firmly closed the door, leaving Dylan standing alone in the hallway, finally understanding the finality of what he’d down away
