“It’s not mine,” I snapped. “I haven’t seen her in at least six months. She calls me all the time, but I don’t answer. I have nothing to say to her.

“Good. Just don’t let her weasel her way back into your life.”

“Don’t worry. I’ve been burned before and it’s not going to happen again.”

Lexy paused, peering into my eyes. “You really like Alex, don’t you?”

“It doesn’t matter. She’s with someone else. Besides, she shouldn’t be with me. I can’t give her the things she deserves.”

“You think she’s materialistic?”

“No, I didn’t mean that.”

“You think Alex left because of that kiss?” Her tone was slightly raised. “Boy, guys really are stupid and clueless.” Lexy crossed her arm, shaking her head. “I’m going to tell you straight out. She moved out because she feels something for you, too.” Then she headed for the door. “Sorry, I gotta go. Someone called in sick.”

“Have you seen Alex lately?” I asked hesitantly. I didn’t know why just saying her name gave me both joy and pain.

Lexy stopped after she opened the door. “No, but we texted. Here is my advice. Either you two stay away from each other for a while, or shape up to be the man you think she deserves and go fight for her. Elijah, life was very cruel to you before, but it’s about time for payback. You deserve happiness now. And, by the way, Alex broke up with Liam. Thought you might want to know,” Lexy winked and closed the door behind her.

Chapter 32

Elijah

Knowing Alex broke up with Liam was the best Christmas gift ever. As I looked at my phone, debating whether to text or call her, there was a knock on the door.

“Clara,” I said, raising my brows in discontent. She still looked as beautiful as I remembered. Her dark hair was longer and she looked like she’d gained some weight. Regardless, she was still gorgeous and dressed to turn guys’ heads with her short skirt, tight top, and killer heels.

“It’s good to see you too, Elijah.” Her tone was sarcastic. “Why didn’t you answer my phone calls?”

“Really?” I crossed my arms and leaned back against the doorframe.

“Are you going to let me in? Or is there another woman in your life?”

I didn’t answer her or budge. She continued. “Listen. I’m sorry to bother you, but I’m pregnant.” Her eyes welled with tears. Crap! Why does that get to me all the time? I hate seeing women cry.

“Don’t even lie to me,” I said sternly. “And don’t you dare tell me it’s mine.” I paused to examine her stomach. “You certainly don’t look pregnant.”

“I’m only a few weeks along. Don’t worry. It’s not yours. The father doesn’t want anything to do with me. I just…I don’t know what to do.” Tears streamed down her face. “I don’t have any friends.” Her lips trembled.

I knew better than to let her in, but I couldn’t just slam the door in her face. “I think I know who you can talk to.”

“Thanks, Elijah. I don’t know why I ever let you go. You’re the best.” She walked in when I moved out of the way.

Funny how she sees it that way, when it was I who left her. “You can eat, take a nap or do what you need to do, but you can’t stay here. Do you understand?”

Clara nodded.

“I’ll make some phone calls to get you some help. I’m going out to take care of few things. I should be back in two hours. I want you to be ready to leave by the time I return.”

“Fine,” her tone was bitchy. “We have a history together and you’re going to kick me out, even when I’m pregnant.”

Anger rushed through my veins and I could feel my muscles tighten. I would not give in to her manipulating ways. “Like I said, be ready to leave in two hours.” I slammed the door behind me.

I made a phone call to a friend who worked at the hospital, and she provided me with some phone numbers where someone in Clara’s situation could turn for help. If I was going to make this right between Alex and me, I needed Clara out of my life.

Working at the Administration office had its perks. Having access to personal information, I jotted down the address for Cynthia’s apartment, assuming Alex was living there.

Nervous feelings shot through me as I stood in front of the door. I had no idea what I was going to say to her. After a few long, deep breaths, I knocked on the door.

“Uh…Elijah? Do you have the right address?” Cynthia blinked.

“Hi. Is Alex here? She lives here now, right?” My heart was thumping too fast.

“Yes, but she isn’t here right now. Would you like for me to tell her you stopped by?”

“No, I’ll come back later. Do you know when she’ll be back?”

“She might be at work.”

“Thanks,” I said quickly and left.

Alexandria

I’d been debating for a while whether I should give Elijah his Christmas present, even though it wasn’t Christmas anymore. After all, he had been my roommate. It was only a small friendly gesture. With the wrapped box in my hand, I headed to his place. I didn’t know why I felt so nervous. We were friends, after all. I also needed to give him my set of keys.

Knowing this was not my place anymore I knocked on the door. I was completely surprised to see a girl open the door. It was Clara. I had not expected to see her and worse, I didn’t expect that stab in my heart, especially seeing her wearing Elijah’s sweatshirt. “Is Elijah home?” I asked. He sure moved quickly. Not that it was any of my business.