“How did it go?” Logan asks, rubbing the back of his neck.
I’m sure this was the last thing he wanted to walk into this morning. I feel guilty that his schedule was affected as well.
“Okay. He wanted to know when I last talked to Braden. Stuff like that,” I say, glancing towards Mason. “He’s going to track him down again and see where he was last night.”
“He knows it was him, right? That fucker has been harassing you for months.” A worried expression crosses his face. “I lost count of how many times he’s called the shop, and April wouldn’t connect the call. It’s been a while, but I’ve kicked him out three times since I started working here.”
“Who else would it be?” I ask. “Hopefully, there isn’t more than one person calling me a whore in town.”
“What do you want to do now?” I shiver when Ryan runs his hand gently up and down my back. “Do you want to go home?”
“I don’t know,” I say, ducking my head. “Yes? I think.”
The conversation with Mason keeps replaying in my head, stirring up feelings I don’t have the energy to sort through yet. I would love to just go to bed and hibernate for a day or two.
“I’m going to head over to the gallery and see Hannah. I’m sure she can put me to work,” Logan says. “You should call her before she hears about this from someone else.”
I should, but I’m talked out. I need a few minutes to think.
“I’ll send a message to the group chat so they can all hear it at the same time.”
Raising an eyebrow, he says, “Make sure you do.”
With a quick wave, he gets in his truck, leaving Ryan and me alone for the first time.
“Do you want me to drop you off at work?” I ask, looking down at my boots, shoving my hands in my pockets.
“No.” He shakes his head. “I called in and rescheduled my appointments.”
My head jerks up. “Why would you do that?” I say, louder than necessary.
“Because I want to be with you,” he says firmly.
I shake my head. I don’t understand. “Why, Ryan? Why do you want to be a part of this?” I step away and throw my arm out, gesturing towards the wall.
“Why do you think I don’t?” he shoots back. “Beck, you know I care about you. You know I want to be a part of your life. That means the good stuff and the hard parts. My feelings aren’t conditional.”
I don’t know what to say. Thankfully, he doesn’t wait for a response and just pulls me into a hug. Closing my eyes, I rest myhead on his chest and breathe in his citrus scent. I feel him place a gentle kiss on top of my head. He lingers for a moment, then lets me go.
“Come on,” he says gently.
Swiping away the tears that have gathered in my eyes, I follow him towards the car.
Girls Group Chat
Hannah
I just heard. Why didn’t you call?
I’m sorry. I was going to and got sidetracked.
Claire
Fill me in.
My morning has been crazy.
Ben lost a shoe and refused to pick a different pair. I had to call Riot so he could convince him it was okay.
