I crossed my arms. “No.”

“Really? Come on, Skylar, I just want to talk.”

“I can’t even fathom what you think you have to say to me.”

He took a deep breath, as if coming to terms with the fact that I wasn’t going to invite him in. “Have you been writing?”

My lips twitched in a smile. I didn’t have to tell him this—or anything—but I was feeling pretty great about it, so why not? “Not that it’s any of your business, but yes. I finished my next novel.”

“That’s great. Have you found someone to represent you?”

“Why, are you here to try to win me back?”

“Yes.”

I stared at him in disbelief. He could not be serious. “Wait, what? I thought you got fired.”

“I did, but I’ll find another agency.”

“Especially if you bring a client with you,” I said wryly.

“No, that’s not why I’m here. It’s not about my job. I care about your career because I care about you. I want you back, Skylar.”

I laughed, because honestly, what else could I do? “It’s too late for that, Cullen. Way too late. If you cared about me, you shouldn’t have cheated on me.”

“I know I made a huge mistake. I regret it all, Skylar. I’m so sorry.”

I hesitated, my eyes flicking up and down. He looked awful. His clothes were disheveled, his normally well-groomed hair needed a trim, and his skin was pale.

Cara karma indeed.

“Thank you for saying sorry. I forgive you.”

His eyes lit up, but I raised a hand before he could reply.

“I’m not finished,” I said. “I’m not forgiving you for you, I’m forgiving you for me. What you did to me was awful. It was a total deal breaker. Even if you were the only hope I had of resurrecting my career, I still wouldn’t sign with you again. And as for anything else, you burned that bridge. Thoroughly.”

“Skylar, please.”

I shook my head. “I told you that one day you were going to realize what you lost. I’m sure that feeling sucks, but you have to live with what you did.”

He opened his mouth to say something, but I was finished with this conversation. I stepped out, then shut and locked the door.

“I was just leaving. Goodbye, Cullen.”

“Skylar—”

I didn’t answer. Didn’t even look at him again. Just walked to my car. I was done with him.

The last time Cullen had shown up on my doorstep unexpectedly, I’d been left feeling miserable. This time, I felt free. If there had been any doubt in my mind that I was over him—that I’d totally moved on—there certainly wasn’t any now.

I walked into the Steaming Mug, once again filled with a conflicting mix of emotions. I was proud of myself for how I’d handled Cullen’s surprise visit. But everything with Gavin felt so wrong, and I still wasn’t sure what I was going to do about that.

Cara waved to me from a table near the back. “Hi sweet sunflower.”

I went to her table and took a seat, so glad she was here. “You’re not going to believe what just happened.”

“Sounds juicy. Tell me everything.”

“Cullen just showed up at my house. He actually thought I might take him back.”

“What?” she asked, her voice flat. “Is he still there? Do you need me to take care of him for you?”

“No, I’m sure he’s gone by now.”

“Are you sure? It would just take a few calls.”

I laughed, although I wasn’t quite sure what she meant by take care of him. Maybe I didn’t want to know. “Really, it’s fine. I’m glad it happened. It gave me a chance to reject him to his face. That was so satisfying.”

She grabbed my hand and squeezed. “Look at my baby, standing up for herself like the badass she is. I’m so proud of you.”

“Thanks, Cara. Thanks for everything.”

She brushed her hair back from her shoulder. “It’s my pleasure.”

Grace came over to the table with a mug of tea and sat down.

“There you are, boo,” Cara said. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m feeling great. Really energized today.”

“You look amazing,” I said, and she really did. Grace was the epitome of the glowing pregnant woman.

“Thank you,” she said with a smile. “Have you heard from Gavin today?”

Just hearing his name made my breath catch. “No. Why?”

“I think something was going on. Asher left yesterday and said there was a brother emergency. He was gone for a while. When he came home, he said everything was fine, but he wouldn’t tell me any details.”

“Such a guy,” Cara said.

“Right? I was just wondering if something happened to Gavin, since everyone’s been talking about him.”

“Who’s been talking about him?” I asked.

“I’m sure it’s exaggerated, but people were saying he was having some kind of meltdown.”

“Poor Gav,” Cara said.

“Oh no,” I said. “If he’s having a meltdown, it’s my fault.”

“What happened?” Grace asked.

“The day after the accident on the bridge, he came over and kind of said we should get married.”

Cara laughed. “Oh god, that’s such a Gavin thing to do.”

Grace nudged Cara with her elbow. “Be nice.”

“I’m not wrong.”

“It just caught me completely off guard,” I said. “I thought he’d say he wanted to date me, not get married.”

“And he’s so adorably clueless, he thought you’d be ready to run off to Vegas with him right then and there,” Cara said.

“Something like that. He got mad and left and I haven’t talked to him since.”

“Don’t worry,” Grace said. “He’s not the only Bailey who can be ridiculous when it comes to love. It probably runs in the family.”

Cara nodded. “Isn’t that the truth.”

“That’s the thing, I didn’t even know he loved me. He left that part out until the end when he was upset.”

“Oh, Gavin,” Cara said, shaking her head.

“Tell me this,” Grace said. “Do you love him?”

“Yes,” I said, the admission coming easily. “I do.”

“Then I’m sure you two will figure it out,” she said.

“Why don’t you just marry him?” Cara asked.

Grace laughed, as if Cara must be joking. “That’s kind of abrupt, don’t you think?”

“Why?”

“You know, for being anti-marriage, you’re very happy to get the people around you engaged.”

Cara scoffed, like she was offended. “I’m not anti-marriage.”

“Yes, you are.”

“No, I’m just realistic. I know I’m not wife material, but that has nothing to do with other people. Besides, don’t we always want the best for our children? I want Skylar to be happy.”

“And marrying Gavin will make her happy?” Grace asked. “Okay, I see your point. Gavin is amazing.”