The storm was the only thing keeping her here last night.
“I’m good,” she says evenly, and I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from arguing with her. “I do appreciate it, though. But, telling him to stay away from me?” She jerks her head toward me. “That’s not okay.”
Ryland glances at me, unimpressed. “Staying awayis a stretch.” His look turns murderous, but I simply smirk at him.
That’s what he gets for trying to stop me from seeing my girl.
“I’m the perfect balance between you and Travis,” I say, giving him a shit-eating grin.
Ryland rolls his eyes, but Blair chuckles, and it’s worth it.
“I’m surprised Travis isn’t up with all our talking,” she says.
“He’ll be out for a bit,” Ryland says. “He normally doesn’t sleep this deeply; it’s obviously because of you,” he adds fondly.
Blair shakes her head dismissively. “I doubt it.”
“He’s the happiest he’s been in a while,” I tell her. “Just having you here makes everything better.”
A small, secret smile forms on her lips, and my fingers twitch with the urge to tuck a piece of hair away from her face.
Every smile, no matter how small, is a victory.
I know what haunts her now and I want to chase those ghosts away.
I can do that for her, if she would just let me.
“I don’t know what I can offer you,” she says quietly. “I don’t…I haven’t thought of doing this in a long time. I don’t even know how to do this, anymore.”
“That’s okay,” Ryland says quickly.
“Is it, though?” she murmurs, then turns to me. “I can’t be exactly what you want. There’s too much ofthis.” She points to herself and motions with her hand across her chest.
“I don’t think you know what we want,” I say. “No offense, babe. I’d be happy with just your company.”
“Mycompany,” she deadpans. “We’re scent matches, and you’d be okay with justthat?”
“If that’s all you’re comfortable with,” Ryland says.
Blair looks between us, her eyes sharp. “I’m not sure I believe you.”
I shrug, unphased. “Looks like you’re going to have to spend time with us, then. Just to see if we mean it.”
Blair may be stubborn, but I’m much more stubborn.
If anything, it’s a challenge.
I’ll wait ten fucking years to hold her hand, just to prove a point.
I don’t care.
We’ve finally found our scent match.
I sure as hell am not letting her get away.
“If a friend is all you want, then that’s what we’ll be,” Ryland adds. “Just let us into your life.”
Blair’s scent sweetens even more, and my mouth waters.
