I shudder as his fingers gently caress my cheek. “Ryan,” I murmur.
He leans in so close that I think he’s going to kiss me, so I close my eyes and purse my lips, my body aching for contact. Sparks shoot between us as the magnetism pulls us until every inch of us is touching. His warm breath is hot against my lips. I part them waiting, but then his soft lips divert and gently kiss my cheek. My body slumps, half in delight that his lips are on me and half in sadness that they’re not on my lips. My eyes flutter open as I look into his emerald green eyes, and they’re glassy like he wants to cry but is holding back. His hands drop, leaving me feeling cold, and then he steps back and nods, grabbing the door handle and opening the door behind me.
Guess that’s my cue to leave.
Swallowing hard, I turn without saying anything and walk out. I barely make it out into the hallway when I hear him close the door behind me, the click causing me to jump. I take a deep breath and chew on my bottom lip, wondering what the hell just happened as I descend the stairs.
Lunar looks up at me when I enter the kitchen, and she must see the puzzled look on my face. “You okay?”
Nodding, I fake a smile. “Yeah, but it’s been a long day. I think I’m gonna head home.”
Danger looks at me and frowns. “Did he say something to you?”
Shaking my head a little overzealously, I grab my bag and pick up Hunter’s cage. “No. Just need to go. Thanks for dinner, though. See you when I see you,” I say and make for a speedy exit.
“Tillie,” Lunar calls out as I race toward the front door, but I ignore her and head straight for my car to go home to cuddle my dog, Piper, and cry into my pillow.
***
My bed, although warm and comfortable, gives me no comfort as I cry softly into my pillow. Today’s almost kiss, followed by tonight’s ‘almost’ kiss, and then Ryan’s utter rejection, has left me feeling cold and completely self-conscious.
I hate that he’s made me feel this way.
I hate that I’mlettinghim make me feel this way.
But I like him.
And having his acceptance into his life would make everything easier.
My cell buzzes on the bed next to me, vibrating on the mattress. I sniff as Piper gently raises her head and looks up at me from the end of the bed, but she quickly puts her head down to go back to sleep. Sighing as I wipe my eyes, I pick up my cell and swipe to check the message. My stomach flips when I see it’s a text message from Ryan. Nibbling on my bottom lip, I take a deep breath and tap the screen.
Ryan:I’m sorry about tonight. I hope you’re okay. Ry.
I swallow hard, reaching out for a tissue from the box I placed on my pillow, and blow my nose. Shaking my head as my stomach settles, I type my reply.
Me:I’m fine. I’m not in bed crying or anything, lol. I hope you’re okay. I’m here if you need me.
I hit send and instantly wince, hoping he doesn’t take my lame attempt at hiding my sadness seriously. Why do I have to be so stupid in texts?
Ryan:Please don’t cry. I know you were trying to come off as funny in the text, but I think you might actually be crying. I’m sorry for upsetting you. Let me make it up to you.
Opening my eyes a little wider, I read the message four times to make sure I’ve read it right. Typing back with shaky fingers, I smile slightly.
Me:Okay, what do you have in mind?
His reply comes in quickly.
Ryan:Nothing fancy… you, me, on the rooftop for an early breakfast at the office?
Smiling, I wipe a tear from my cheek and sniff.
Me:Sounds great. What time?
Ryan:Before sunrise, I wanna watch the dawn of a new day with you.
My eyes shoot open at this sudden change in his demeanor. I’m not sure where it’s coming from, but I like it.
Me:That would be lovely. See you in the morning.
