Laney pulled it tighter around herself, her gaze lingering on him, steady and unyielding.

Their proximity brought back memories—moments they'd shared that felt too intimate to be proper.

Yet, Cliff didn't pull away, and their eyes stayed locked as the silence stretched between them.

Laney finally broke it. "What do you think of Merrick?"

Cliff's jaw tightened, his lips pressing into a thin line. "Why are you asking? Do you like him?"

Laney shook her head, a faint, strained smile on her face. “No, but I can't keep torturing myself forever."

She hesitated before continuing, her voice quieter now, “Sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but I heard everything you said to Gerry Cliff froze. Her words left his thoughts spinning, his chest tightening as an inexplicable buzz filled his ears. A dozen things to say ran through his mind, but none of them made it past his lips. He simply stood there, rooted to the spot. What should he say? He didn't know. ALL he could focus on was the redness in Laney's eyes, which left him feeling strangely uneasy."

After a pause, he finally said, "Even so, there's no need to rush. Merrick isn't the right one for you. You can take your time. There are better people out there."

Laney looked at him with questioning eyes. “What makes you think Merrick isn't good enough?"

Cliff exhaled sharply, his tone edged with dismissal. “Because his feelings are shallow.”

Laney's voice wavered as she replied, "Is falling in love at first sight shallow?" She paused, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Cliff, I fell for you at first sight, too."

Cliff's words lingered in Laney's mind. “Create new memories to heal from the past."

Taking his advice to heart, Laney began spending more time with Merrick. Though she hoped her interactions with Merrick would help her move on from Cliff, she wasn't in a rush. For over a month, their outings remained simple-a few shared meals, nothing more.

Merrick, known for his fleeting romances, found Laney's reserved nature both frustrating and captivating. Her steady pace kept him intrigued, and despite his usual impatience, he restrained himself, following her lead and respecting her boundaries.

That evening, they sat by the sea, watching fireworks light up the night sky. The brilliant colors reflected in Laney's eyes, making them sparkle like crystal-gentle, mesmerizing, and utterly captivating.

Merrick found himself unable to look away. His heart raced as he longed to bridge the distance between them. “Laney,” he murmured, leaning closer with a pleading expression. "It's been so long. Can't I have just a little affection?"

Laney turned to meet his gaze, her expression calm but thoughtful. She understood what he wanted, and after all this time, she reasoned, a kiss wasn't an unreasonable request. Yet, despite her growing efforts to build something new with Merrick, thoughts of Cliff constantly intruded. Her feelings for Cliff, though buried, burned fiercely, leaving no room in her heart for anyone else.

Noticing her silence, Merrick took it as consent and leaned in, his lips just inches from hers. “I promise. No tongue, just a gentle touch,” he said softly.

Just as he was about to kiss her, Laney raised a hand, stopping him in his tracks. "Merrick," she said, her voice steady as her gaze dropped to his neck.

He froze, puzzled. "What is it? Is there something on my neck?"

“Yes, a bite mark."

Merrick's face fell as he instinctively touched the spot. A few days earlier, after a night of drinking, he'd had a fling. While he'd been honest with the woman about seeing someone, she'd taken liberties he couldn't fully recall.

Now exposed, Merrick felt more amused than embarrassed. But he knew better than to press for a kiss now.

Laney turned back to the fireworks, unfazed. "It's fine," she said simply.