Chapter 184
Anna’s POV:
“Give me more time.” I sighed, staring at the hotel entrance rather than meeting Seth’s eyes.
How could I explain that after loving Blake for so many years, I wasn’t sure I could love anyone again? The thought terrified me.
Opening myself up to that kind of pain again seemed impossible.
Seth pulled me into a tight hug. “I’m rushing things. I know.”
When he pulled away, I caught the disappointment in his eyes. He tried to hide it with a smile, but I knew him too well.
He traced his fingers along the hotel door frame and asked quietly, “Can I stay tonight?”
I looked up, surprised. “Huh?”
I’ll take the couch. It’s just… I’d have to come back tomorrow to drive you anyway.”
“Oh, I can manage on my own. You should go home and rest.”
“Okay.” He nodded, his face blank. “Goodbye then.”
As he turned to leave, his tall figure receding down the hallway looked so dejected that my guilt intensified.
Shit. Today was his birthday, and instead of giving him a surprise, I’d disappointed him.
“Stay, I called after him.
Back in the hotel room, Seth settled on the couch while I retreated to the bedroom. Hours passed, but I couldn’t sleep. Seth’s constant rustling and tossing on the couch in the living room kept me awake.
“Can I come in and sleep on the floor?” His voice came through the door. “It’s freezing out here, and the couch is too small. I can’t even stretch my legs.”
When I didn’t answer, he added, “Anna, seriously, it’s uncomfortable. I,can’t sleep.”
I sat up, clutching my blanket. “Come in and take the bed. I’ll sleep on the couch.”
“Absolutely not!” His face turned serious. “I can’t let you suffer. I’ll stay out here. I’m a guy, I can handle one sleepless night. I have meetings tomorrow, but I can nap after you leave. I shouldn’t make any major mistakes from lack of sleep…”
“Fine, fine. Come in and turn on the light. Make your bed on the floor.”
‘Cover your eyes first. The sudden light will hurt.”
“Okay.”
After Seth arranged his makeshift bed and turned off the light, darkness enveloped the room again.
In the stillness, memories flooded back.
I used to pretend I was asleep when Blake came home late, then roll into his arms. Now, lying here with another man in the same room felt strange.
Seth was still restless, turning over repeatedly on his makeshift bed. The constant movement kept me from falling asleep.
‘Can you sleep at all?” I asked, propping myself up on my elbow.
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Chapter 184
He froze, then turned to meet my gaze. Anna, can I hold you while we sleep?”
The audacity! I grabbed my pillow and threw it at him, half–wishing I could sinother him with it.
“Ow, ow! You’re abusing me? Seth dramatically clut his head, moaning on the floor. “Domestic violence!
I stopped mid–motion. We’re not family.”
Seth chuckled. “Yes, we are. I know you’re waiting for me, and I’m waiting for you. We’re both heading toward each other. Becoming family is just a matter of time.”
‘Don’t be ridiculous.”
My heart was racing. Was I waiting for him? I wasn’t sure.
All I knew was that I had reservations. Seth was approaching thirty without a serious relationship or
How would the Price family react to me? Would I hold him back?
And could I love unconditionally again, especially someone already bound by family obligations?
established career.
“Anna, I know what you’re thinking, Seth’s voice softened. “I haven’t given you enough security yet. But you haven’t rejected me, which tells me you’re waiting too.”
He continued, “I know you. If you felt nothing for me, you would’ve shut me down completely. You wouldn’t give me any chance or hope.
“I don’t blame you for hesitating. I blame myself for growing up too slowly. If I’d known we’d end up here, I would’ve fought my brother for control instead of picking up scraps when he didn’t want the family business anymore.”
His voice was low but earnest. “We could live in New York, or anywhere else. I’m making preparations either way.”
I was drifting off as he spoke, his gentle voice lulling me toward sleep.
“Remember when we were kids, and you said you wanted to live in the clouds? I could buy a penthouse, so when you wake up every morning, the first thing you see is clouds.”
“Then hurry up and buy it,” I murmured sleepily.
As I fell asleep, I imagined the future he described. It didn’t sound bad at all.
Maybe I was being too cautious. If I rejected him before we even/started, I’d never know what might have been.
The night passed quickly after that.
Before I knew it, morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, and we were heading to the airport.
Standing at the departure gate, Seth looked like he wanted to chain me to New York.
“Do you have to go?” he asked, his expression pained.
“Three months will pass quickly,” I reassured him.
We both had our goals: him with his career ambitions, me needing to restart my work. I couldn’t just sit around doing nothing.
As we said goodbye, he held my hand lightly.
At the last moment, he leaned in as if to tell me something–important. When I moved closer, he quickly planted a soft kiss on my cheek and backed away with a mischievous grin.
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Chapter 184
I felt my heart skip a beat, then smiled and waved at him.
The flight back to Boston gave me time to think.
When the plane touched down and taxied to the gate, I turned on my phone to find a missed call from the environmental show’s director. I called back immediately.
“Ms. Anderson! Would you consider returning to our show? Your episode performed exceptionally well. Let me treat you to dinner to discuss the details.
I remembered my single appearance on the show had indeed gone well.
The director’s invitation wasn’t surprising given the viewership, but Blake must have played a crucial role.
Without his approval, the director wouldn’t have approached me.
That evening, I changed clothes and headed to the meeting place. I was surprised to find it wasn’t a restaurant but a bar.
Standing outside, I hesitated. The loud music and crowded space didn’t seem conducive to a business discussion.
Before I could decide whether to enter, the director spotted me.
“Ms. Anderson, you made it!” He waved enthusiastically. “Hurry! The big boss is waiting. This could be your big break!*
I frowned slightly. How could we possibly discuss anything important in this noise? And who was this “big boss” he mentioned?
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