In Your Time novel Chapter 23

*Braden’s POV*

Tara Baker.

Tara and I had a complicated history. She was the first girl I ever loved. We actually grew up together. I used to do anything and everything she wanted. After I confessed my feelings for her, she moved and started dating someone else before cutting off all contact with me. I felt so used and betrayed at the time, but that was a few years ago. Just when I thought everything was going great, Tara had to reappear. I didn't think too much of it when I introduced Phoenix to her. I just wanted to show her that I was doing fine without her. I It was only later when Phoenix told me in her room that I realized I'd hurt her too. I knew she'd gone quiet, but I never thought it was because of me. Tara made my brain stop working once again. When Phoenix asked me to leave, I responded on reflex and hugged her. Standing there with my arms wrapped around her waist made my heart jump into my throat. I didn't realize how much I actually cared for Phoenix until now.

"Phoenix, I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking in the moment. I wasn't trying to hurt you," I said sincerely. I really hoped that she felt my sincerity.

"If you have no intention of being more than friends with me, I suggest letting me go," she said. I could tell she was still upset, and a simple hug wouldn't fix this.

"Well you are my fiancé," I joked to try and lighten the mood. I readjusted my arms around her instead of letting go. In reality, I didn't want to just be friends with Phoenix.