“You win.” He raises his palms and shakes his head. “But what do you say? Do you want to go into town?”
“Sure, that would be great.”
“Are you sure you’re feeling better?” he asks quietly, twisting a loose piece of my hair around his finger.
“Much. I’m sure your TLC and sleep have made a huge difference in my recovery time.”
“Admit it. You like my TLC.”
“I could get used to it,” I admit.
Climbing out of bed, I glance back to where he’s still lying on his back, with his hands behind his head. The blanket sits low on his hips, and his solid chest and abs are on full display. He is lean from running, but I can still see the definition of his six-pack. Despite his coffee addiction and existing mostly on takeout, he looks amazing. I wonder if the other restaurants in town make him custom meals or just Aunt Maggie.
“You’re staring.” He winks. And there are those dimples again.Girl, get yourself together.
“I can’t help myself, Pretty Boy. You’re nice to look at.” Returning his grin, I say, “I’m going to freshen up and then we can leave.”
There is something in his eyes calling me back to bed, but I don’t want either of us to confuse our recent forced proximity for something else.
Less than an hour later, we’re driving down the main street towards the bakery. It’s officially stick season in Ontario. Thatin-between time when all the leaves have fallen from the trees, leaving bare branches before winter covers everything in snow. Though it’s dull and grey, I don’t mind. It’s the quiet time before the holidays begin.
I guess that’s why I’m surprised to see the number of cars that line both sides of the street on a Sunday morning. There is no parking in front of Maggie’s, so Ryan parks in the lot beside the bank. It’s only a short distance, but there is a nip in the air. I’m glad Ryan insisted I wear one of his hoodies. He gave me one on the day he rescued me in the rain that I should probably give back. Or not. One can never have too many hoodies.
He’s looking hot in black sweatpants and a grey hoodie. He threw a beanie on his head so he wouldn’t have to style his hair. Though he always looks great, I’m really enjoying this casual thing he’s doing lately. Thank God his pants aren’t grey, or the good women of Emerley would trip over each other to see what he’s packing. I couldn’t help but notice when he was wearing pyjama pants earlier. Woah.
Climbing out of the truck, Ryan meets me at my door. Placing his hand on my lower back, he guides me through the parked cars onto the sidewalk.
“So, this is why you can’t be bothered to call or text me back.”
I startle at the sound of Braden’s gruff voice. We haven’t seen each other face-to-face in months. All communication has been through text messages and e-transfers when he needs money. I set up automatic withdrawals for the apartment and truck because I don’t trust him to use the money for its intended purposes.
“Braden. Hi,” I stammer, glancing towards Ryan, who’s standing beside me with his arms crossed, glaring.
His blond hair is a little longer than the last time I saw him, and he has grown a beard that’s perfectly trimmed. He’s wearing new boots and clean blue jeans. The collar of a black-and-greyplaid flannel peeks from beneath his warm coat. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but he looks…good. Better than someone who’s so down on his luck.
“Well, are you going to answer my question?” his voice rumbles.
“What was the question?” I crinkle my forehead and bite my lip.
“Are you avoiding me because you’re hooking up with this guy now?” He exhales and shakes his head. “After all these years together, this is what you do to me.”
I can feel Ryan tense beside me, but he remains silent, trusting me to handle this situation myself. I harness his confidence and straighten my spine.
“We broke up months ago. I’m not doing anything to you,” I say firmly.
“You know you always come back, Becky,” he says smugly. “It’s only a matter of time.”
“No, Braden, I won’t.” Pursing my lips, I shake my head. “When I left in the spring, I made it clear that we were finished for good.”
I don’t want to have this conversation on the street, in front of Ryan, but it needs to be said. I’ve put it off for too long already.
“As soon as the lease is up on the house, I’m done subsidizing your life.”
“Is that right?” He huffs out a quick laugh.
I see Ryan dip his chin slightly from the corner of my eye, giving me his silent support and the courage to continue.
“I’m taking the truck back. You have a few months to figure it out, and then that’s it.”
