“Don’t say that to me,” I plead, gulping down wine.
“The truth hurts, babe, but it’s time you faced up to it. And I knew he still loved you. I just knew it.”
“I’m not buying that crap. It’s a ploy to get me into his bed because he never made it there the last time. That’s all this is.”
“Well, you won’t know unless you take a chance, and the opportunity is too good to pass up. Think of all the other offers that will roll in once you’re a published author. And think of the money, babe. I wouldn’t be too hasty to turn it down.”
“Maybe you should do it. They were going to offer it to you first, and you’re the one with family responsibilities. You need the money more than I do.”
“Girl, are you high? You really think Gage is gonna let me live with Torment knowing their reputation?”
I open my mouth to say they wouldn’t hit on her knowing she’s engaged and has a baby with her fiancé, but who am I kidding? Something like that wouldn’t matter to Garrett Jones.
“And I very much doubt Ryder’s going to back down now you’ve come barreling into his life again. He sounds determined.”
“He couldn’t really buy the magazine, could he?”
“Of course, he could,” she unhelpfully confirms, yawning. “Those extravagant bastards can buy anything they want. Everything is available for a price.”
Guilt slaps me in the face. “You’ve had an exhausting day, and I shouldn’t be burdening you with my shit. Go be with your family. I’ll come visit tomorrow.”
“Zeta.” She uses her adulting tone.
“What?”
“I know you’re scared, and I know he hurt you, but maybe he’s right. Maybe itisfate. Maybe this is where the last eight years have been leading. And if nothing comes of it, at least you’ll get closure. And this could be amazing for your career. If you let it go, you could end up kicking yourself in the ass.” She pauses, and I let her words settle in. “At least take some time to think about it. You can’t make a logical decision when you’re so emotional.”
“I’ll think about it,” I promise. “Now go give that adorable little boy a big kiss from me.”
I fall asleep on the couch midway through the second bottle of wine.
Sometime later, I’m woken by the incessant chiming of the bell. I glance at the time on my cell through bleary eyes. It’s not even eleven. Guess the wine combined with my overwrought emotional state was enough to send me to sleep way before my usual bedtime.
I’m rubbing my tired eyes as I pad toward the door, yawning. I peer through the peephole and jerk back, the sight of Ryder standing in my hallway is enough to induce a rapid case of tummy flutters.
“Zeta, open up.” He pounds his fists on the door. “I’m not leaving until you talk to me. I’ll just sit out here all night.” I think he’s stubborn enough to do it too.
Ignoring the butterflies careening around my chest, I open the door and scowl at him. Well, it was either that or swoon, because he looks completely fuckable in his jeans, white tee, black leather jacket, boots, and beanie combo. He might as well have written Rock God on his forehead to complete the look. “What do you want?”
“Wow. Is that how you usually greet your guests?” His eyes twinkle with mirth, and his lips twitch.
“Only the unwanted ones.” His smile drops, and I feel like a bit of a bitch. Someone opens their door across the way, and I sigh. “Come in.” I step aside to let him enter because I don’t want to have this convo with an audience. He bends down, retrieving a box I hadn’t noticed on the floor before stepping into my modest condo.
“Cute PJs.” His eyes do a quick one-over of myFrozensleep shorts and tank top attire, and I curse my sleepyhead for opening the door without giving any consideration to my state of undress.
I cross my arms over my braless chest, and he works hard to keep his eyes on my face. I don’t owe him anything, and it’s probably best not to engage him in conversation, but I find my mouth opening anyway. “My five-year-old cousin Kendall lovesFrozen, and Jill bought us matching pajama sets for Christmas because I was the one who got her hooked on the movie.”
“How is Jill?” he asks, shutting the door with his booted foot. I narrow my eyes at him, and he shrugs innocently. “It was drafty.”
“She’s great. She’s married now, and her and Liam have a son too. Kyle is four and a real little monkey.” I smile as I think of my two adorable cousins.
“I’m really glad things worked out there for you.” He smiles, and unlike earlier today, it’s warm and genuine, and it meets his eyes. I’m struck dumb for a moment, until I snap out of it. It’s too easy to fall under Ryder’s spell, but I’m not a naïve teenager anymore. And I haven’t forgotten how he broke my heart by dumping me for someone else.
“Why don’t you take a seat in the living room while I pull on something warmer.” I point in the direction of the living room.
“Don’t feel the need to do that on my account.” His eyes glimmer suggestively. “I’m quite happy with the view.”
“Wow. Original. I bet you give Garrett a run for his money.”
