Chapter 36

Makenna's POV.

“Who's my favorite writer of all time?” Sera’s excited voice buzzed through my phone, and I rolled my eyes at her enthusiasm.

“I don't know, Sera. I am?” I smiled, answering tentatively.

Sera was unusually excited this morning. She’d called while I was in the bathroom, and when I saw her call, I’d thought I was in trouble for writing too much smut.

“Why am I not hearing the excitement I’m supposed to hear from my best writer?” I sighed in relief. She was happy about it.

“OF COURSE, IT’S YOU!” I winced as Sera yelled through the phone. “Your book has entered one of the top ten books on the app!”

“WHAT?!” I yelled, genuinely surprised by the news. That could only mean my readership had grown significantly since my last book. This was crazy.

“Yes, girl!” Sera continued, her excitement evident. I was making her a lot of money so I guess it was to be expected. “That's the energy I’ve been waiting for. Where have you been hiding this talent?”

Her voice faded into the background as I processed the news. One of the top ten? Among millions of books on the app? What?!

I was so dazed, I barely heard Sera calling me again. I couldn’t wait to read the comments from my readers.

“Hey? Makenna? Are you there?” she repeated.

“Yeah, I am,” I replied excitedly, running my hands through my hair. “I’m just really…”

“Shocked?” Sera chuckled, completing my thoughts. “You did it. Congratulations.”

“Thank you, Sera,” I replied, my voice thick with emotion.

“I gotta go now. See you in the office next week and don’t stop writing,” she said before hanging up.

Wow. I actually did it. As much as I didn’t like Wolfe at the moment— because he’d opened my eyes to the true nature of our arrangement when I went to see him in his office the last time. Apart from being unusually professional, he’d been rude and it’s hurt— I knew he played a role in my success.

I knew I’d been fooling myself once I realized I was beginning to fall for him.

Yas had mentioned how lucky I was that Wolfe actually prioritized my satisfaction during sex. Most men didn’t. I couldn’t say for sure—and I honestly didn’t want to find out.

I was still pissed at Wolfe. Though I hadn’t been getting much lately from him in terms of sexual inspiration, I still had memories to work with. But how long could I rely on past memories for creativity?

Just as I settled down, the doorbell rang. My heart skipped a beat as I glanced towards the door.

Wolfe?

I ran to the door, my excitement building with each step. But as I opened it, my heart sank. Knight stood there, holding flowers in one hand and a gift box wrapped elegantly in the other.

“Expecting someone else?” He smiled slightly, clearly catching my disappointment.

“I thought we both agreed that you wouldn't show up here again?” I frowned, crossing my arms.

“You actually look really cute when you're angry.” He chuckled.

I raised an eyebrow at him. Really? He was making jokes now?

“Look. I just wanted to apologize and make it up to you for the last time I was here,” he started.

“That is not necessary. Honestly.” I shrugged. “Besides, you didn't have to come to my house if you wanted to apologize.”

His presence the last time, had ruined things between me and Wolfe—more like brought me back to my senses. I had almost forgotten about the incident. Why was he even apologizing now?

“Please hear me out at least,” he replied, sounding a bit desperate.

“Alright,” I shrugged, resigned. He came all the way here—again, not that I cared—but I might as well let him say what he had to say. “Say your piece.”

“I was a real jerk coming to your place after breaking up with your sister.” He paused slightly. “Especially after I hurt you like that.”

This was old news. What was he getting at? I didn't want to deal with any more drama today. Especially him.

“And you were a great friend to me in college. I can barely call myself a friend after what I did to you,” he continued.

He was starting to get on my nerves with all the talk of friendship. He cared about that now? Really?

“I honestly don’t need this right now.” I rubbed my temple in frustration. “What are you getting at?”

“Nothing I say or do would ever atone for all the things I did to you, but I’ll keep apologizing until we’re friends again.”

“Friends? You want to be friends after the stunt you pulled at the beach? Are you insane?”

What was wrong with him? He suddenly wanted to be my friend after kissing me while he was still with Kenzie?

God. What made this guy my crush in college?

“I know. I was really stupid. It doesn’t have to be friendship yet. You decide when we become friends.” He paused, his eyes earnest. “I cared about Kenzie even though I knew she was using me. I honestly had no right to kiss you. I fucked up, Makenna. Please, let me correct my mistakes.”

That's a lot of mistakes. As long as he wasn't planning to kiss me again, yeah, sure. Whatever.

“And how do you plan on doing that?” I glanced warily at the gifts in his hands.

He stretched his hands towards me, offering the gift box and flowers. “I brought peace offerings. Your favorite chocolate in college.”

I raised an eyebrow at him. He remembered my favorite chocolate. It wasn't my favorite anymore—but he didn't need to know that.

“That’s barely going to atone for anything,” I said, rolling my eyes. Did he think I still had a crush on him? If he did, he’s definitely in for one hell of a shocker.

“I know. This is just a start. I know I have a long way to go. Please, just give me a chance, Makenna.”

He looked so earnest, so desperate to make amends. His eyes pleaded with me, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of the boy I once admired in college. Maybe he genuinely wanted to fix things—or maybe not. “Yeah, whatever,” I sighed, taking the gifts from him.

He smiled broadly as I accepted them. “Is that all?” I asked, my patience wearing thin. “I was actually busy before you came, you know?”

“I know. But I can also see that a break would do you some good. You look really tired.” I raised an eyebrow as he made a move as though he wanted to touch my face but thought better of it.

He smiled broadly as I accepted them. “Would you like to take a walk in the park with me?”

“No.” I replied flatly.

“Please?” He asked, giving me a small smile. “I’ll buy you ice cream too. As much as you want.”

I honestly didn't like the fact that he remembered all my quirks from college.

I actually wanted to take a walk after reading the comments on my chapters since the park was quite close to my street. I'd been indoors the whole day and I needed a change of scenery. But since he was asking nicely—with an ice cream offer, why not?

I could come back to my comments later anyway. Besides, I didn't want to invite him in just yet.

“Fine.” His smile widened at that. “Give me a minute to get my coat.”

I headed to the hallway and grabbed my coat, glancing back to see Knight waiting patiently, a hopeful look on his face. I honestly hoped I wouldn't regret this later. Besides, it wouldn't hurt to get some celebratory sugar rush.