Page 37 of Working for the Runaway Bride

“It shouldn’t.”

“I haven’t stopped thinking about you.” I blurt out.

“Molly.”

“I tried.” My voice breaks.

I hate how desperate I sound, but I can’t keep the truth inside any longer. Not after running from one lie. I can’t hide behind another.

“I tried to forget what happened in the garage,” I continue. “I tried to convince myself it was because I was upset about Carter. I told myself I was confused and vulnerable and looking for comfort.”

“You were.”

“No. I wanted you before I found that woman in my house.”

Grayson’s face becomes completely still.

His voice drops. “Stop.”

“I want you.”

“Don’t say that.”

“Why?”

“Because you don’t know what you’re saying.”

“I do.”

“You’re standing in a wedding dress after running from my son.”

“Because I don’t love him.”

The words ring through the room. I loved the future I thought he offered. A home. A family. Someone who chose me. But Carter never truly chose me. He selected me because I was convenient, forgiving, and easy to manipulate.

Grayson looks almost pained. “You’re upset.”

“I’m finally thinking clearly.”

“You’re not.”

“I know what I want.”

“You don’t.”

Anger rises through my grief. “Stop telling me what I feel.”

“I’m trying to keep you from making another mistake.”

“Is that what the kiss was?”

His jaw flexes. “Yes.”

The answer cuts deeper than I expect. I swallow hard. “Did it feel like one?”

“That isn’t the point.”

“It is to me.” I close the final distance between us.