She’s not wearing a sling, so I assume it’s healing.
“It’s ok. Just a little scratch.”
I smile, and she rolls her lips to hide her own.
Her face falls toward the ground, and my stomach squeezes tight.
I glance, surveying the parking lot, and frown. “How did you get in?”
She nods toward the exit. “Lyla dropped me off, and. . .Gus let me through.”
“Gus,” I say a bit forcefully, and one side of her mouth ticks.
A loud chorus erupts behind us, and it’s T-Bone and his gang climbing onto a party bus.
“Can we. . .get out of here?” I ask, really wanting to take this somewhere private. “This place should be secure, but I’ve learned differently.”
She leans to see around me. “Uh. . .sure.”
“Come on.” I extend my hand, and with only a moment of hesitation, she takes it. Her palm is a little sweaty, and it’s comforting.
I lead her to the passenger side of my new SUV and open the door. “How did you know this was my car?”
“Gus.”
I huff out a laugh. “Right.” I toss my bag in the back and climb into the driver’s seat.
The silence is filled with a nervous energy as I exit the parking lot. “Ok if we go to my apartment? Or we could—”
“That’s fine.” Her answer comes out quick and sharp.
I pull through security, passing fans crowding the gate, and so many words float between us, yet nothing is quite ready to be said. So, I wait.
We ride the twenty minutes in almost complete silence, and it feels hopeful. She wouldn’t show up to tell me to leave her alone again, would she?
My heart rate picks up at the thought, but when I glance at her beside me, it settles right back down.
I park in the garage, and we ride the elevator, then step into my apartment, where boxes line the wall. Ryder remains just inside the door.
“You’re leaving?” Her question is filled with surprise, but also something that sounds like disappointment.
The hope I’ve been hanging onto perks.
“I’m selling it.” I glance around. “It’s never felt like home.”Except when you were here.“I wasn’t happy. I need to make some changes, and it seemed a good place to start.”
“Where are you going?” Her voice is softer now.
I stare at her, wanting to answer, but also. . . “Ryder, why are you here?” My stomach spirals as I wait for an answer.
She peeks up at me, but her gaze drops to her hands, which are ever at the ready in front of her. “I. . .didn’t thank you for saving my life.”
I frown.
That’s why she’s here?
Something pinches quick and fast right in the center of my chest.
I shake my head. “Ryder, I’d do—”
