"I've been thinking about something."
I turned to him, surprised by the softness in his voice."Yeah?"
Ryder hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck, then exhaled."I like you, December. And not just in a 'you're my client' way. In a 'let me take you out' kind of way."
My heart nearly exploded.
"Wait—what?"
He laughed."is that a good what, a happy what, or what-the-hell What?"
"No,"I rushed out, warmth rushing to my cheeks."it is a ...wow what"
"Really? I thought I couldn't have been more obvious"he teased.
"Well you seemed nice to everyone,"I lied.
"There is nice professional and nice flirty, and I was constantly flirting with you but yeah I think I needed to be straightforward. I really like you Dec. Seeing you and talking to you are the highlight of my day."
I had been floating. I wanted to say yes a million times over. And then he added,"But... it has to be a secret. For now."Just like that, the moment cracked.
"A secret?"
"I just started here, Dec. It wouldn't look great if I immediately started dating a client. Give me time. It's temporary, I promise."
I had been disappointed, but when he took my hands, when he looked at me with those steady, unwavering eyes and said,"I just want you, December,"I had believed him.
So, I agreed.
And for eight months, he had made me feel like the only woman in the world.
Like every Tuesday, I met my closest friends for brunch at our favorite café. The place smelled of cinnamon and freshly brewed coffee, a cozy warmth against the chill of late autumn outside. May, January, and June were already there, the table cluttered with pastries and half-empty mugs.
"So, Dec," May said, stirring her latte with a knowing smirk. "It's been a year since you started working out, right?"
"Yeah," I nodded, cutting into my avocado toast.
"And you look incredible," June added, eyeing me with approval. "Seriously, you're glowing."
I laughed, tucking a loose strand of auburn hair behind my ear. "I just feel... better. Stronger."
"And more confident," January noted. "You've been dressing differently too. Fitted tops, skirts. You're showing off, girl."
I felt my cheeks warm. "I guess I just finally feel comfortable in my own skin."
"But the real question is," May leaned in conspiratorially, "has someone noticed?"
I nearly choked on my coffee.
June's eyes widened. "Wait.Hassomeone noticed?"
January narrowed her eyes. "You have that look. You're totally seeing someone, aren't you?"
I forced a casual shrug. "I'm... just focusing on myself right now."
"Uh-huh," May rolled her eyes. "You suck at lying, you know that?"
"Leave her alone," June laughed. "If there's a guy, she'll tell us when she's ready."
