I give in, stepping back and sucking much-needed air into my lungs.
‘Not happy to see an old friend?’ Ryker teases.
‘You’re not my friend.’ I force the words through clenched teeth.
‘Hmm,’ he ponders. ‘You’re right. We’ve always been more than that.’
His eyes are calculating as they search mine, each millisecond sending more fire gushing through my veins.
‘What are you doing here?’ I ask again.
‘Just taking in the morning sun.’
I look up at the clouds that seem to be growing denser by the second. ‘What sun?’
‘It’s always sunny above the clouds.’
‘Well, I hope it rains soon.’ I cock my hip, resting my hand on my side. I catch sight of intricate ink weaving along his forearms and disappearing beneath his black t-shirt. I haven’t even gotten a good look, but I’m furious at how much I already like it.
Conflicting emotions swirl around in my chest. Chuckie has moved on to the next tree, and I make to go after him. I frown when IfeelRyker follow.
I spin around. ‘Do you need something?’
He looks down at me as he stands with his perfectly straight posture and laid-back charm. ‘Do you not want the company?’
‘Notyours.’
Ryker lets out a haughty laugh, playfully poking at me with a finger. ‘What’s got your panties in a twist?’
Gee, I wonder?I bat his prodding hand away, and oureyes clash. I’d love to keep telling myself I hate him, but there’s a softness between us that only years of growing up together can bring.
‘What. Do. You. Want?’ My voice is quiet, all gravel, as I resist the urge to press my palms to my eye sockets to dull the headache that’s forming. It’s too early for this shit.
‘You.’
Just like that. A single word and Ryker Edwards makes everything seem easy. As if there aren’t years of hurt, betrayal and pain between us.
I rise on the tips of my toes to get in his face. ‘You can’t have me.’
He doesn’t recoil at my words. In fact, his eyes dance – I’ve just given him a challenge.
When he speaks, our breaths merge as one. ‘Now what was that aboutpersonal space?’
I give him a bitter grin, hating that my heart still warms at the small scar slicing through his left brow. I can’t believe at one point all I ever wanted was his attention, and was happy when I had it. I’m consumed by a wish for never having met him, or maybe it’s a longing for a part of him that I’m not sure even exists anymore.
‘Are you going to apologise?’ I barely whisper the words, but it’s enough to finally break the tension.
A single syllable passes through his lips. ‘No.’
‘Why?’ I demand.
Not that it matters. It’s too little, too late. I wouldn’t forgive him even if he grovelled at my feet.
His eyes blaze. ‘Because I don’t forgive myself.’
I shake my head, reminding myself that I don’t care. I’m not going to spend another four years wondering where he is, why he left and if he ever thinks of me.
Ryker’s phone dings, and he pulls it from his pocket. I can’t make out the image but the screen is lit with a silver hue. He goes still, as if he’s been snared by something that won’t let go.
