Chasing Fate (Dark Love 5)

“No, you’re not,” she agrees, letting out a sigh. “This will be hard.”

“I know.”

“You have to understand that it can’t always be about you and me. Michael has certain needs and—”

I place my finger on

her lips, cutting her off. “I believe you.”

“Noah, I love you,” she breathes, relaxing in my arms with a loving gaze. “But, are we crazy?”

“Crazy enough to make this work.”

With a tilt of her head, her lips brush mine, a gentle tease making it passionate and demanding, leaving me wanting more. She slowly pulls away, out of breath.

“So where to now? You could come over. We can watch a movie?”

“Sounds good.” I grin, dropping my hand to intertwine with hers. “What movie?”

“Have you ever seen Pretty in Pink? It’s my favorite movie.”

The corners of my mouth turn up into a smile as I fondly remember when Kate stopped me at Santa Monica pier, questioning me with such judgment in her eyes. I had no doubt the universe had its own plan, working in mysterious ways. Kate’s and my friendship was all about timing. We were in each other’s lives at the right time. I desperately want to text her that, at least—one more time. But quickly, I decide against it.

“I have, actually.” Releasing a sigh with a carefree smile. “Someone important once told me it was a rite of passage into adulthood.”

Morgan’s laugh is soft and endearing. “You’re the perfect man, Noah.”

“Must be fate?” I tease, laying another kiss on her lips.

“Definitely fate.”

KATE

My eyes scan the room one more time.

Cardboard boxes are stacked neatly on top of each other, the contents scrawled on in broad black felt-tip marker. The furniture still remains, positioned the same as when I first moved in.

For years, this apartment has been home. Presley joined me as a roommate for a few months during her pregnancy before Haden swept her off her feet and placed a ring on her finger.

It has been a place of comfort, a place of solace when the world crept up on me, and I needed time to process my thoughts. New York may be the city that never sleeps, but thanks to this place, I slept comfortably each night.

Well, not every night.

Though as the tide turns, life evolves, people move, people change.

I check the time, noting the car service will be here any minute now. With my cell in hand and one more scan of the room, I complete a mental checklist making sure I have everything I need.

As my hand rests on the doorknob, I give myself one more moment to take it all in for the very last time.

Saying goodbye is never easy but shutting the door on my life here is long overdue.

The car service drives me to JFK, battling the peak-hour traffic as the driver listens to his music and thankfully doesn’t engage in unnecessary conversation.

My gaze shifts outside the window, watching the city pass us by. There’s a part of me that will miss the hustle and bustle, the lights and skyline, the action, and rushing around the streets. It has been my playground for the last four years, and being single in a city with over twenty-million people should, in theory, never make you feel lonely.

But the loneliness was palpable.

The driver asks which terminal I prefer, taking a turn with a sign indicating the airport a few miles ahead.