The second Chapter

Megan typed her response: "Thanks, Max. But I think I'll pass. Prior commitments."

Alex's gaze met hers, relief subtly etched on his face

Alex smiled warmly, his eyes conveying appreciation. "Thanks, Meg. Means a lot."

Megan's heart fluttered. Did he sense her true feelings lnp

Alex leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper. "Megan, I've been wondering ... what if we've been blind to something more?"

Megan's pulse quickened. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Megan's heart skipped a beat. Alex's words hung in the air, heavy with possibility. She searched his eyes, seeking clarity. Alex's gaze locked onto hers, his expression vulnerable.

The silence stretched, thick with unspoken emotions.

Alex's vulnerability faltered. He pulled back, masking his emotions. "Never mind, Megan. Forget I said that."

Megan's heart ached, sensing his pain. "Alex, wait—"

He stood, his chair scraping against the floor. "I need some space."

Megan quickly followed Alex out of the restaurant, her heart racing. "Alex, stop! Don't walk away!"

He slowed, but didn't turn. Megan grabbed his arm,

Megan's eyes locked onto Alex's, and without a word, they surrendered to the tension. Their lips met in a tender, yet electrifying kiss. Time stood still.

Megan's eyes widened. "Alex, what does this mean?"

Alex's expression turned guarded. "We shouldn't have done that."

Megan's heart stung. "Why?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Max emerged from the shadows, his eyes narrowing at the intimate scene. "Megan, may I have a word?" he asked, his tone icy.

Alex's grip on her hand

Alex stepped forward, his eyes locked on Max. "I think she's busy."

Max smirked. "Actually, our conversation is long overdue."

Megan intervened, placing a calming hand on Alex's chest. "It's okay, I've got this."

Alex's jaw clenched as Max's gaze lingered on Megan. "Tell him, Meg," he said, low and even. "You're with me."

Megan's eyes widened, caught between surprise and curiosity. "Alex..."

His intense stare silenced her.

Max smirked, his eyes glinting. "So, Megan, how's your friend Alex handling the Napa Valley rejection?"

Alex's eyes flashed, his fists clenched.

Alex took a step forward, his voice low and menacing. "Back off, Max. This isn't about you."

Max sneered. "You've been holding her back. She deserves better."

Megan intervened, placing a calming hand on Alex's arm. "Stop, Max. That's enough."

Max's smirk twisted. "Ask Alex about Rachel. About why he's really been single all these years."

Alex's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched.

Megan's eyes locked onto Alex's, searching. "What's Max talking about, Alex?"

Alex's expression turned stoic. "Nothing, Megan. Just old gossip."

Megan's grip on his arm tightened. "Tell me."

Alex's resolve crumbled. "Rachel was my fiancée. She passed away five years ago. I've been trying to move on, but..." His voice trailed off.

Megan's expression softened. "Alex, I'm Sorry i didn't know what happened"

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