Bonus Chapter | Lily's Story

Lily Miller is absolutely sure something is wrong with her. Because if not, then why hasn't she been able to get David Carter out of her head?

She decides the best way to fix this is to get David to date her. Once that happens, she'll obviously lose interest like she always does. (Right?)

The problem? David Carter is totally playing hard to get.

*******

"Hey, do you think this coat works better than the leather jacket?" Lily asked, turning side to side in front of the shop mirror. She was dressed in dark oversized jeans, a fitted black top, and a leather belt cinched at her waist.

Mia barely glanced up from the stack of magazines she was flipping through. "What does it matter? It's almost seventy degrees outside. Why would you wear a jacket?"

Lily pouted. "But it's for the look, Mia."

"Sophie?" she asked, knowing Mia wasn't going to be helpful.

Sophie smiled. "You look hot, Lil."

"Literally," Mia added with a smirk.

The two of them burst into laughter, and Lily scowled. Sure, she loved Mia and Sophie—they were her best friends, her sisters in every way that mattered. But today? Today, they were annoying.

"That's it. I'm out of here," she huffed, leaving the jacket behind. They were right, anyway—it was way too hot for a jacket. What was she even thinking?

She ignored their voices calling after her, their apologies barely getting through their laughter, and stepped outside, letting the warm breeze wash over her.

Her itinerary for the day? Art supply store.

Lily never really overthought her outfits. But ever since she found out that his favorite art supply store happened to be the same one she went to... well, a little extra effort never hurt.

David.

She had bumped into him there more times than she could count, and it wasn't a coincidence. Not anymore.

Lily wasn't the type to chase. She didn't have to chase. A little flirting, a well-placed smile, and guys would be asking her out before she even had to drop a hint.

But David? David had boundaries—thick as a brick wall and just as impossible to climb.

He was charming, sure. Even flirty at times. But he always kept his distance.

Friendly, but just that.

And it was driving. Her. Crazy.

Was she not his type? She was most people's type. Maybe she wasn't Sophie-pretty, but she had her own edge. Right?

Now she was doubting herself.

By the time she reached the art supply store, she forced herself to shake off the thought. She loved this place—it had quickly become one of her favorite spots, and she wished she had found it sooner.

Lily was just about to greet the owner—maybe even tease him while subtly asking when David had last visited—when she turned her head—

—and there he was.

Her breath caught before she could stop it.

David was hot. Unreasonably, unfairly, frustratingly hot.

That easy kind of handsome, the kind that didn't need effort. Like he had just rolled out of bed looking like that. His light brown hair was just a little too long, in that way that made her want to run her fingers through it. His build was big, strong—like someone who had no business looking that good in a plain T-shirt. And then there was that damn dimple.

No one could blame her for being into a guy like him.

She'd dated plenty of attractive guys—guys she ranked from A to D tier. But David? David wasn't even S-tier material.

He was SSS-tier.

Super high-quality stuff. And Lily? She wanted more.

"Hey, if it isn't little Miss Miller."

David's voice pulled her out of her thoughts, his signature flirty smirk in place.

Lily forced herself not to smile too wide—she didn't do wild grins. She had perfected the perfect flirty smile, just enough charm, just enough cool.

"David," she said brightly. Then, tilting her head with a playful pout, "Hey, I'm not little. I'm pretty tall—five-nine and all."

His smirk deepened.

"Right," he said, clearly teasing her about being so tall.

Sure, she was taller than most of the women in her life, but next to him? David towered over her. It was unfair, really.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, feigning casual interest, even though she already knew the answer.

"I'm just grabbing something quick," he said.

"Perfect, because I need your help picking my paint," she said, already looping her arm through his.

"I only came for one thing," he pointed out, but he didn't stop her from dragging him along.

"Great, that means you'll have even more time to spare with me."

He sighed, knowing it was useless to argue with Lily.

She led him to the paint section, pulling a few supplies from the shelves as she scanned the colors. Then, almost casually, she turned to him.

"Hey, I've been meaning to ask... why do you even shop for art supplies when you don't paint anymore?"

When she had found out from Ethan that David used to be an artist, she knew they were kindred spirits. She'd been working on her art since she was young. But David? He only seemed interested in showcasing other artists now. Which was great—but she wanted to see something new from him.

She had stalked his old artwork online, and damn. The man was a genius.

David exhaled through his nose, running a hand through his already-messy hair. "I still paint," he admitted, "I just hate what I paint. Maybe I'll finally get out of my rut if I ever find my muse."

Lily perked up at that.

A muse?

She was just about to push for more, but he must have sensed it, because he clapped his hands together and stared her down.

"You done?" he asked, clearly trying to steer her away from that conversation.

"Just one last thing," she said, tossing another tube of paint into her cart.

At the register, David paid for her without hesitation.

Lily blinked at him, momentarily caught off guard. "Thanks," she said, feeling unexpectedly shy. She wasn't sure how she felt about men paying for her things, but... she'd let this one slide. "You didn't have to."

Outside, David shrugged. "Come on, I have to support struggling artists."

"Oh, so you do support struggling artists?" she teased, side-eyeing him.

"Obviously."

"Then you should know that I'm currently struggling."

He glanced at her. "With what?"

She sighed, throwing her hands up dramatically. "Everything. Life. The meaning of existence. But mostly, this stupid piece I'm working on."

She had been trying to get into another very exclusive art school, and she needed to submit something new and fresh.

David looked amused. "What are you working on?"

Lily exhaled like the weight of the world was on her shoulders. "Terrible things." Then, suddenly, like she had just thought of the most brilliant idea—she grinned. "Actually... I need a model."

David frowned immediately. "No."

Lily gasped. "David, come on! You just said you support struggling artists, and I'm struggling right now." She batted her eyelashes at him, hoping to seal the deal.

David made a face. "First, stop doing that thing with your eyes. It's freaking me out."

She pouted. "So is that a yes?"

"Will I be paid?" he asked dryly.

Lily placed a dramatic hand to her chest. "David. I am a struggling artist, and you said you'd support me."

He exhaled heavily. "Fine."

"Great!" She clapped her hands together. "When do you have time? I can work around your schedule."

David pulled out his phone. "Let me check—"

"Now."

He blinked. "What?"

She gestured down the street. "My studio is right around the corner. I've got all my supplies, and you look devilishly handsome today, so I don't need anything else."

David ran a hand down his face. "I don't know if it's because I'm older than you, but your energy scares me."

Lily beamed. "I get that a lot."

Then, without another word, she grabbed his arm and started dragging him through the busy street.

David groaned. "I can't believe I agreed to this."

"It'll be fun! I promise I'll feed you chips."

He gave her a long, unimpressed look. "...Chips?"

"The good kind."

"Fine."

Lily grinned. Got him.

*******

Soon, they arrived at Lily's studio—a bright, open space with wide windows that overlooked the town, flooding the room with natural light. It was spacious, cozy, and hers. The perfect place to paint, to create, to finally see if art could be more than just a hobby.

"Nice space you've got here," David commented, glancing around.

Lily shrugged. "I'm sure it's not as impressive as whatever you have, but I love it." She was grateful for Ethan and Sophie, who had helped her get this place. For the first time, she could finally focus on art.

She gestured to a chair. "You go here."

David sat down with a smirk. "Just so you know, you owe me for this."

"I could take you to dinner as payment," she suggested, gathering her supplies.

He chuckled. "That's just what you want."

"True, but I'm great company. I'm an expert at dating," she mused, flashing him a cheeky smile.

David snorted. "An expert at dating?"

Lily grinned. "Obviously."

And then he laughed—deep, genuine, with those damn dimples making an appearance.

Lily's breath hitched.

God, he looks so handsome when he laughs.

She snapped out of it and pointed at him. "Don't. Move. I have to capture this."

David smirked. "You think that's amazing? You should see my brooding face."

She rolled her eyes. "I think I prefer you smiling. Plus, it matches my vibe."

David's smirk faded slightly, replaced by something softer, something almost... wistful. "The first time I saw your work, I wondered who could pack so much sunshine and joy into one painting."

Lily blinked, caught off guard.

Then—

"You're really good, Lil."

Her heart stopped.

She waved him off, trying to play it cool. "Oh, stop. You know compliments will get you anywhere with me. So, when do you want to go out with me?"

David huffed a laugh, shaking his head. "How many favors do you plan on cashing in before this turns into actual extortion?"

"I already promised to feed you chips. So high-maintenance," she muttered under her breath, making him chuckle again.

Finally, she settled in front of the canvas and started sketching. David sat still—for the most part.

After half an hour, he finally broke the silence. "You know, you could just take photos of me. I'd even let you."

Lily gasped dramatically. "Ha! So funny. I know I have stalker tendencies and would very much appreciate those photos, but I think I like you better in person."

She tilted her head, studying him—not just his face, but the way he existed in the space, the way his fingers drummed absently against his knee, the way his expression shifted ever so slightly when he was lost in thought.

"A picture would just freeze you in time," she mused. "But this? I want to see you breathe, think, exist. So don't stay so still."

"Calm down, Shakespeare," he deadpanned. "I'm stuck in a small room with a girl who probably wants a piece of my hair. I'm trying my best, okay?"

Lily smirked. "I don't want your hair. That'd be creepy—even for me." She paused. "Your eyelashes, maybe."

David mock-shuddered. "Why am I not surprised?"

Lily just grinned and kept sketching.

"I get to see the final piece first, okay?" he said after a beat.

"K. Now stop talking, you're making me lose concentration."

David let out an exaggerated sigh. "Just a few minutes ago, you told me not to be still. What do you want, woman?"

Lily groaned. "Fine. Let's take a break."

David stretched his arms with a smirk. "Finally. I was promised chips, remember?"

Lily shook her head, a smile tugging at her lips as she reached for the bag.

And just like that, she knew she was in trouble.

Because she wasn't supposed to like him this much.

She wasn't supposed to want him.

Now why wouldn't he just date her already?

She needed to get him out of her head.

Fast.

A Quick Note

Guys, we did it—we're officially done! I finally delivered on those epilogues and the bonus chapter.

Lately, I've been having so much fun writing Lily's character, and I'm seriously considering continuing her story. But that depends—would you guys be interested in reading it? I might end up posting a part two to this bonus chapter or just writing an entirely new book. Honestly, I'm so torn (and busy!), but if it's something you'd love to read, please let me know!

Also, a huge thank you for 50K reads! I can't even express how happy that makes me. Your support means everything.

And now, for my little shameless self-promo—please follow me in case I do end up writing a new book. I'd love to keep you all in the loop!

Once again, thank you! I love all my readers, especially those of you who take the time to vote and comment. You guys make this journey so special. 💕