As we drive back to the office, I glance out the window, trying to focus on my schedule for the rest of the day. But my mind keeps drifting back to Ryan—his guarded looks, his rare flashes of vulnerability, the way he holds himself as if carrying a weight only he can bear.
I may not know all his secrets, but I know one thing—I’m not giving up. Beneath that tough exterior, there’s more to Ryan than he lets on, and I’m determined to be the one who finally breaks through.
Even if it means risking everything.
With a steadying breath, I turn my attention forward, ready for whatever comes next.
Chapter Seven
TILLIE
The car pulls up in the parking garage of the office building, and Ryan rushes off quickly before I even have time to say one word. I grab Hunter’s cage and walk to the building on my own, watching as he disappears into the distance. I can’t help shaking my head at how our relationship seems to break through a barrier, arriving somewhere good, then suddenly, his walls are up again, and we’re back to him closing himself off, choosing to flee.
Shrugging my shoulders, I sigh at how high school it all seems.
I’m not sure why Ryan shuts down.
It makes me wish I knew more about him.
If only he would let me in.
My sneakers squeak on the tiles as I enter the kitchen. Lunar’s making coffee, and she turns to me, glances down at the cage, and raises her eyebrow suggestively. “Um… do I even want to know why you’re carrying a rat?”
Rolling my eyes, I sigh. “Ryan’s lame attempt to scare me.”
“Right… backfired again, I see?” She giggles.
“Yeah, his endeavors at trying to outwit me seem to fail… thank God. Except for the glitter bomb. That sucked big time and definitely got to me.”
Lunar tilts her head to the side. “You seem less enthusiastic than you should be. Something happen?”
As I place Hunter’s cage on the counter, I exhale. “Ryan and I had… a moment. But I think things are a little one-sided, and I freaked him out.”
She purses her lips. “You like him?”
“It doesn’t even matter.” I screw up my face. “Tell me about your day. What’s happening with you?”
She looks at me, furrowing her brows, but decides not to pursue it. “Well, the foundation we created is going fantastically. We’re bringing in a load of donations, and they are gradually building up. It’s great to be able to place funds into the programs we have in place. It’s all pretty fricking awesome.”
“That’s fantastic, Lunar. I’m so happy that you’re able to get the message about autism into schools, and even more so that they're being educated on the subject. You’re doing such an amazing job. I’m kinda in awe of you.”
A soft laugh escapes her lips. “No, it’s definitely not just me. I have an incredible team backing me up, and Danger… he’s unbelievably supportive. I still can’t believe how lucky I am to have him. And, of course, Mum,” she adds with a warm smile. “She’s managing everything back in Australia while I focus on expanding into the US market. It’s unbelievable that it’s taking off so well. But I know I couldn’t have done it without the people around me, my support, my friends.”
“That’s fabulous. It’s difficult to have a solid friend base when you work so hard. I know, I don’t have many friends, well, none really, because of the hours I work. It’s supposedly about keeping a good work-life balance, but how do you do that when you’re so damn busy? I wish I could say I had great support around me, but I only have the band, Oliver, and my family. But my family is all about work, so pretty much, my life is work.”
Lunar frowns. “Well, that’s terrible and about to change. Tonight, you’re coming over to our place for dinner because we are friends, and I’m getting you out of your house and socializing with more than just your fucking flannelette pajamas.”
“Your place?” I ask, and she rolls her eyes.
“Yes, no arguing. Seven p.m. I’m cooking. It will be healthy, though, ’cause the house is on a health kick.”
I look at her, eyes glistening with hope, knowing I can’t possibly say no to the only invitation I’ve had from someone asking me over in a long time. So I smile and nod. “Okay, seven it is.”
She presses up on her toes while clapping her hands together in excitement. “Great. This is going to be epic.” Her pink and yellow hair sways from side to side as she moves her head around.
I can’t help but laugh. “Thanks, Lunar.”
She stops her boisterous movements, and her face goes serious. “You’re welcome.” She grabs her coffee cup, gives me a wink, and turns, heading out the door.
