28. Please Myself.

JAMES.

[Hours before the kiss]

I couldn't believe Chloe had the nerve to ask me about my ex when we were supposed to have a non-romantic horseback ride on the beach, just as roommates for a week, and not a therapy session. I didn't want to talk about the past, I wanted to focus on the now and present...

I left her on the horse and walked away feeling angry, frustrated, and annoyed all at once. I needed some space, and time to cool down.

'James, buddy, why are you so worked up, she just wanted to know the truth,’’ Zeke chimed in via mind link.

I ignored him as I didn't owe him or anyone else an explanation about my love life… so what if I never love again… This was my choice and I loved it.

I continued walking, not knowing where I was going, I just followed the shoreline... The mid-morning sun had painted the sky in blue and white. The waves were crashing hard against the tides, soothing my nerves. The mild breeze was blowing gently, caressing my face. I felt a little calmer a few min