Say Yes

Somehow, he’d gotten more handsome, his boyish frame filling out into the solid, muscular brick of a man who sat at the edge of his desk now. His dark blond hair was cropped short at the sides, the longer strands on top styled back and out of his face, except for a couple stubborn pieces that fell just above his eyebrows.

Cobalt blue eyes looked at me, brighter, more intelligent, but just as heart stopping as I remembered. His old playfulness peeked through this strange, newly controlled version of the boy I’d dated in high school—the boy who had left so suddenly it was almost hard to fathom that he even cared who I was now.

I’d always known Walker would end up someplace big. But I never in a billion years would’ve guessed that that someplace would be one of the many odd jobs I’d worked through and since college.

This wasn’t exactly the life I’d planned out for myself. By now, I should’ve made it big as an artist—and I was working toward that, slow and steady like that little engine that knew she could.

“I guess this is the easiest getting-to-know-your-boss situation there’s ever been,” I joked, tucking a strand of untamable hair behind my ear as I tried to regain my mental footing. “This is my first job from my new temp agency. I was so nervous about it; and just think, I wasted all that nervous energy trying to make sure I would impress my new boss. You.”

He laughed. “You’ve never had to work too hard to impress me, Macks.”

Macks. My old nickname. No one called me that anymore, but it was nice to hear i

t from Walker again.

Walker Prince. He truly looked like a prince now, like some kind of modern day American royalty. He’d filled out since high school, with broad shoulders and a powerful chest. His charcoal grey suit fit the long lines of his body perfectly, and I had to avert my eyes again before the flush creeping up my face gave me away.

Apparently, even after all this time, Walker still had an effect on me. Some things would never change, even after seven years of silence. But I couldn’t afford to lose my head. As many sweet memories as his appearance dredged up in my mind, there were a few heartbreaking ones too. I couldn’t forget that.

“So, what are you doing right now?” he asked, pulling me out of my thoughts. I looked back to him at the question, smiling wryly.

“Well, right now, I’m supposed to be cleaning.”

He waved his hand. “Ah, don’t worry about that. I meant more ‘how life’s going’… Is this position permanent? Are you still drawing? Painting? Creating amazing art? You know, the important things.”

I laughed. “Well, in that case. No, the position isn’t permanent; I’m filling in at several companies through a temp agency. Yes, I’m still doing art, though I’m not sure how ‘amazing’ it is. I’m still working on building a freelance following and getting clients.”

“You have a business?” he asked curiously.

“Oh! Um, no, not quite. I have a modest following on Instagram and a studio I pop in and out of with some art school friends,” I corrected. “It’s been a little slow going building everything up—it doesn’t quite pay the bills yet. In the meantime, I do odd jobs in between paintings because I like having lights on in my apartment. And, you know, food and stuff.”

“Can’t imagine why you’d need lights. There’s plenty of fun to be had in the dark.” He smirked. “But I’m glad to hear you’re still in the game. Couldn’t see you doing anything in the big corporate jungle for long.”

“Or at all.” I’d never been one for tradition; Walker probably knew that better than anyone.

“I always knew you’d—”

Before he could finish the sentence, the comm buzzed and the voice of the bubbly secretary I’d met a few moments before filtered in.

“Your eleven o’clock is in meeting room three, Mr. Prince. Shall I tell him you’re on your way?”

Walker swore, looking down at his watch.

“Damn it. Forgot about that… Yeah, Anna. Give me five minutes. Thanks.” He looked to me, apologetic. “How about we catch up later? Say, over some drinks and dinner? Like old friends?”

My brows rose. Dinner? With Walker? I wasn’t sure that was a good idea, and he sensed my hesitance.

“Just between friends,” he reiterated. “Especially if you’re only here as a temp; you won’t be back unless you end up having to fill in for someone else. It’s been a really long time, Macks. I’d love to catch up.”

Yeah. It had been a long time. So why did it feel like no time at all had passed when he caught my gaze with his bright blue eyes?

I bit my lip and thought for a moment longer before giving a small smile.

“Sure. Dinner and drinks sound great.”

We quickly exchanged numbers and information, and Walker gave me one of those charming smiles of his before heading out of his office. As the door clicked shut and I was left alone, I sighed. It was good seeing Walker after almost seven years. But I couldn’t help but wonder if I was getting myself into trouble by agreeing to meet him again.

After all, seven years of growth and healing didn’t change the fact that all those years ago, Walker Prince had broken my heart.