“Ellie…”
Slowly, I looked up, nervous at what I would find in Garret’s gaze. But instead of anger, all I saw was understanding.
“You deserve someone who wants you the same way you want him.”
“It’s not always that simple.”
“No, it’s not. You can’t help who you want, and it’s pretty clear that you’re not over him.”
I sighed, hating that he had me pegged so clearly. “No.”
“Look, I get it. You need to get past him, and you think that if you put yourself out there, maybe you can move on. Trustme, I did that for a long time. But it doesn’t really work. You’ll compare every man to him, just like you’re probably doing right now.” He laughed, glancing down. “I’m not sure I want to know how I measure up.”
“Garret—”
“No, it’s fine, Ellie. I get it. But I’ve been where you are right now, and I’m not ready to go back to the guy who isn’t the one.”
Standing, he tossed some money down for the drinks, still smiling at me. “I hope he figures it out before it’s too late.”
Leaning down, he pressed a kiss to my cheek. “Good luck, Ellie.”
As he walked out, I felt my cheeks flush red with anger and embarrassment. Garret was a nice guy, and if Ryder hadn’t walked in, maybe it would have worked.
Maybe not.
Most likely not.
I downed the last of my drink and stood, grabbing my purse as I stormed for the door. I wasn’t more than fifteen feet from the entrance when I heard his footsteps running behind me.
“Ellie!”
“Don’t!” I shouted, not bothering to turn around.
I watched as Garret got in his car. My date was officially destroyed, all because he had to walk into the bar.
“Ellie, wait!” Ryder shouted, grabbing my arm and spinning me around.
“What do you want?” I screamed. “Why are you here?”
“I just wanted a drink.”
“And it had to be tonight? You couldn’t have come any other night? What about Tuesdays and Thursdays?”
He looked stricken, unable to form the words.
“So, you just wanted to come tonight when I might be here.”
“I didn’t know you were going to be here tonight, especially not on a date,” he spat.
“It’s date night! Where else would I be? At home pining for you?”
“That’s not?—”
“I don’t need this, Ryder! I was moving on. I was leaving you in the past!”
“Clearly, as your date just walked away because you couldn’t keep your eyes off me!”
I wanted to spit in his eye, to smack him across the face for his words. But I also wanted to kiss him, and I wasn’t sure which one would win out, so instead, I walked away.
