9: I've always loved you

Dana

Two months have passed since Demian and I divorced. My belly was growing naturally, and the thought of someone finding out terrified me. The idea of Demian finding out through Jeremy terrified me.

Jeremy and I had grown closer, but I still didn't feel completely trusting of him. Jeremy swore he was no longer friends with Demian, but I couldn't believe him. The person I trusted the most was Demian, and he betrayed me with my stepsister. Why would I believe Jeremy?

Yet, he was so kind to me. Since I was hired at the cafe thanks to him Jeremy hadn't left the city. I knew he had too much work in the city where he currently resided, but Jeremy refused to leave because he wanted to be near me.

There was a knock on my apartment door. It was Jeremy.

I smiled at him.

"And those roses?" I asked, seeing him with a bouquet.

"They're for you," he offered them. "I know you like roses. I saw them on my way and felt like buying them for you. Plus, they'll serve for what I have to tell you."

Jeremy seemed to have something important to say. I thanked him for the roses and his attention. He brightened my day a little.

"I thought you had to leave on a trip today."

"Yes, but my flight got delayed, and I wanted to come see you. I can't stop thinking about what I have to tell you, Dana. I was planning on telling you in a few days when I return to Kansas, but the urge to confess is killing me."

I looked at the roses in my hands and then fixed my gaze on Jeremy. I think I knew what he was going to say.

"I'm in love with you, Dana. I'd be lying if I told you I've been in love with you since I saw you here. I fell in love with you when I met you, but you were with Demian, and our love was impossible. I never thought I had a chance with you, but you divorced Demian, and I... Maybe it's stupid to say it, and I don't know if you're interested in me, Dana. But I love you. I love you as I've never loved anyone."

His words left me speechless. I never thought Jeremy had been in love with me for so long.

"I know you're hurting because of your feelings for him, but I can mend your heart, Dana. I would never betray you like he did. My love for you is real and sincere," Jeremy stepped closer to me. We were inches away from each other.

I didn't want to move away. I didn't have the desire to. I didn't love Jeremy. I liked him because he was attractive and caring, but I could never love him. However, why couldn't I give him a chance? Jeremy had what I wanted in a man. If Demian was happy with Rachel, I could be happy with Jeremy. After all, I had suffered; I deserved to be happy.

"Jeremy... I..."

"I know you don't love me, but I believe you might someday," he hurried to say. He took the bouquet of roses from my hands and left them on the couch. He took my hands and pressed them with love. "Let me be the man you always dreamed of."

My heart beat rapidly. I don't know if I did it because I wanted to give myself a real chance to start over or if I did it out of revenge. But I did it anyway. Before I knew it, I told Jeremy yes. In the blink of an eye, Jeremy had his soft lips on mine.

I allowed myself to enjoy his kisses, but I realized I was seeking Demian's lips in his. But as the kiss continued, resentment, anger, and painful memories rushed to my mind. I reminded myself that I had the chance to live happily with a man like Jeremy, and I wasn't going to waste it.

I remembered my children. 

Jeremy could tell Demian the truth if he found out.

I abruptly pulled away from Jeremy, and he looked surprised.

"I'm sorry. Did I do something wrong?"

"No, but it's just that... I'm sorry, Jeremy, but we can't be together. I even think we shouldn't be friends."

"What are you talking about?" he raised his eyebrows.

"There are things you don't know," I took his hand and led him to the door.

Jeremy stopped abruptly and looked at me.

"If you're referring to your pregnancy, I've already figured it out, Dana."

Did I hear correctly? Did he discover my pregnancy?

"I don't know what you're talking about," I pretended.

"A month ago, when we were at the cafe, I saw a message from your obstetrician on your phone when you went to the bathroom. I didn't do it intentionally. If you fear that I'll tell Demian, I won't, Dana. Demian doesn't interest me. He's not a good person. The only person who interests me here is you," he approached me.

He took my hands again and kissed me, but I pulled away.

"I don't understand. Why do you care so much?"

"Because I love you, Dana. I've always loved you. When I told you that Demian and I haven't talked in a long time because of the distance, it wasn't true. Demian and I haven't been friends for a long time. He found out about my feelings for you, and we broke our friendship. It's another reason for you to trust me, Dana. I want to make you happy. You and your children," he touched my belly.

Being happy was a goal for me. I wanted to feel fulfilled again.

Jeremy seemed sincere with me, but he wasn't Demian. However, I accepted his proposal. Like I said, I deserved to have someone who loved me.