Mathew reached for her hand, and she let him take it.
“I figured if I left first,” she whispered, “it wouldn’t hurt as much. And if you let me go, then… maybe that would prove what I’ve always believed.”
Mathew squeezed her hand. “But I did fight for you.”
Her smile trembled. “You did.”
He lifted her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss to her fingertips. “I’m so sorry.”
“You don’t have to apologize.” She let out a shaky laugh. “None of my childhood was your fault.”
“That doesn’t mean my heart can’t ache for the girl who had to live through it.” His gaze held hers. “And for the woman who still carries it.” He brushed his thumb over her knuckles. “I think I’m falling in love with you, River. Maybe faster than I should. Maybe deeper than makes sense. But I am.”
She lifted her hand and cupped his cheek. “Sometimes I can’t believe you’re real.”
A soft laugh escaped him. “I was just thinking the same about you.” He tilted his head. “Want to play a game?”
Her eyes narrowed with playful suspicion. “What kind of game?”
“Rapid-fire truth or dare. Without the dare.”
River snorted. “So… twenty questions.”
His mouth twitched. “Are you going to play with me or not?”
She pretended to consider it. “Fine. You first.”
He didn’t hesitate. “Are you falling for me?”
Her breath caught.
Then she smiled.
“Yes.”
29
MATHEW
“Order for Mathew?” the barista called out.
Mathew stepped forward just as the woman in front of him turned to leave. He caught her by the upper arms before her drink sloshed all over both of them.
Then he looked up.
“Victoria.”
Her eyes widened, color rushing into her face. “Mathew. Sorry—I didn’t see you.”
He blinked at her. “I thought you left town.”
She looked away, chewing on her lip. “I know. I meant to. I just… stayed a little longer than I planned.” The words tumbled out in a rush. “It’s not what you think. This place kind of grew on me, and I needed a break. From the city. From my family.” Her eyes lifted to his again. “From what I did to you.”
Mathew studied her more closely. There were shadows beneath her eyes. She looked tired. Worn down in a way he hadn’t expected.
Normally, he would have asked if she was okay. If she needed anything. But he’d already made it clear where they stood.
“You look good,” she said quietly. “Better than the last time I saw you.”
