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"I do have to say that," Ryan murmurs, his lips curving into a smile that reaches his eyes, "this table, with you laying on it, is the most beautiful thing I've ever made."
A laugh bubbles up from within me, light and unburdened, mingling with the warmth spreading through my chest. For a man who grumbles more than he speaks, he sure knows how to make a woman feel like she's the center of his universe, even if it's just for a moment.
The strength in his arms is a comfort, a cradle rocking me away from the chaos of my own mind. I'm weightless as he carries me through the dimly lit hallway as I lay my head against his chest.
He nudges the door open to his bedroom with his foot, a soft light spilling out onto our tangled forms. The bed looks inviting, its covers thrown back, waiting to envelop us in its warmth.
With surprising gentleness, he lays me down, the mattress dipping under our combined weight. He slides in next to me, an arm slipping beneath my shoulders, drawing me close until my head rests against his chest. His heartbeat is a steady thrum, grounding me here, now.
I close my eyes, feeling the pull of sleep tug at the edges of my consciousness. But before it can claim me, a nagging thought worms its way through the fog of contentment.
I've been away from it all—the office, the endless emails, the relentless pressure of deadlines. And here, nestled in the crook of Ryan's arm, the world outside of work comes into sharp focus. It's quieter, simpler, and filled with moments that don't require a screen or a strategy meeting.
A wave of loneliness washes over me. All these years, I've hidden behind my job title, behind the satisfaction of checked-off to-do lists. But the truth twists in my gut… I'm lonely. I've always been.
With every inhale, I breathe in the scent of cedar and soap, the essence of the man beside me. Ryan, who's shown me laughter and desire and the kind of connection that doesn't need Wi-Fi.
But there's a life waiting for me in Houston, a life I've meticulously constructed like a house of cards. With one wrong move, it could all come tumbling down. I've promised myself success, wealth beyond measure. Yet, as I lay here, letting the rhythm of Ryan's heart lull me toward sleep, I wonder if that's truly what happiness is made of.
"Jules, you okay?" Ryan's voice cuts through my reverie, rough with concern.
"Mmm," I hum, not trusting myself to speak, afraid my voice will betray the turmoil inside.
"Good." He kisses the top of my head, a simple gesture that feels like a promise.
And as slumber finally claims me, I make a silent vow to myself, to find a balance between the empire I've built and the life that might be waiting for me.
Chapter 15
Ryan
The Texas sun hasn't even bothered to stretch its golden fingers over the horizon and I'm already behind the wheel, the familiar hum of my truck accompanying my thoughts. Julia's next to me, her red hair a fiery contrast against the pale sky seeping through the window.
"Airports never sleep, huh?" she murmurs, peering out at the bustling drop-off zone.
"Neither do you, it seems," I chuckle, bringing the truck to a stop. I can see the reluctance in her eyes, that same hesitation that's been nibbling at the edges of my own resolve.
She heaves a sigh, her hand finding mine. "How are we gonna do this, Ry?"
"Guess we'll text, call... I reckon we could try that video chat thing too." The idea feels clumsy on my tongue. I'm a face-to-face man, but for Jules, I'd learn Morse code if I had to.
"Every day?" There's hope laced with uncertainty in her voice.
"Every single day." I squeeze her hand, meaning it.
"Even with your... aversion to phones?" Her eyebrow quirks up, teasing.
"Especially then." I draw her into a hug, her body molding against mine like it's meant to be there. "I'll start a new habit."
"Good. Because I need my daily dose of grumpy cowboy turned sunshine." Her laughter is muffled against my chest, and it's the best damn sound in the world.
"Sunshine's a bit of a stretch, Jules." I can't help the grin spreading across my face. "But for you, I'll try."
"And I'll make time, Ryan. No more hiding behind work." She pulls back just enough to look at me, her decision clear.
"Jules, you saying that means everything." I brush a stray curl from her forehead, thinking how Houston's too far, but it's not an impossible distance.
"Let's make it work," she whispers, determination set in her stunning eyes.
