#Chapter 51: Downward Spiral

“I’m sorry, Esther,” he says, but doesn’t really seem all that sorry with a grin on his face. “We don’t have a pleasure relationship,” I argue. He shrugs. “I’ve seen you naked.” “That was the past.” He leans forward again. “I still dream about it.” Just like that, my blush returns full blast. This time, however, I hate myself for it. I need to get away from this impossible man, the sooner the better. With that mentality, I grab the folder he discarded and stuff it back into my bag. “It was nice talking to you, Miles,” I lie, as politeness dictates. “Don’t be angry,” he says. “I’m not.” Anger doesn’t properly describe how I feel. Miles said no. I doubt his reasons are really involve dreaming about me naked, so whatever his true reasons are, he’s keeping them secret. I can’t possibly be mad at him for refusing my offer for reasons I don’t know about. My true feelings are a mix of frustration and fear, added with a bit of self-loathing. I couldn’t convince him. Maybe I