When he did, he did a doubletake then a grin lifted his lips as he pushed his chair back, stood, strode around the desk and pulled her into a hug.
“Tell me you’re back,” he said.
Ryan stepped back, shaking her head. “I couldn’t leave without telling you all goodbye. I pushed my flight back so I could.”
“Damn, Ryan. I was hoping you were staying.”
She wiped a tear from her cheek. “He doesn’t want me to stay.”
“Sure, he does. He just won’t ask. He’s too afraid that if you did stay, you’d regret it and end up leaving him.”
“I wouldn’t.”
“I believe that, but unfortunately, I’m not the one you have to convince.”
“Where is he?”
“Probably in his house now. He’s been training like crazy. He wears himself out, so he’ll be able to sleep.”
“I know that feeling.” She walked toward the door.
“Where are you going?”
“I’m going to see him.”
“Ryan, you’re just going to get hurt. He wants you to go, so he’s going to say anything to make sure that happens.”
“I’m used to it. I have to try, Cull.”
Cull folded his arms, leaned back against the desk, and stared at her, then nodded.
“Alright. Good luck.”
“I’ll need it. Thank you.” She smiled. “If I have to go, just know that I will miss seeing that handsome face of yours.”
He smirked. “I’ll miss you too.”
She opened the door, stepped into the aisle, then headed out the doors. Gathering courage, Ryan climbed the steps, and took a slow breath, raised her hand to knock, each rap a promise she could barely believe she was making.
When the door opened, all she could do was stare at the man. He frowned when he saw her, then he folded his arms across his broad chest and stared at her.
“Seth…” She wasn’t sure what to say to him.
“What are you doing here? I thought you were leaving today.”
“I pushed my flight back to tomorrow.”
“You didn’t answer my question,” Seth said.
“Could I come in?”
Seth sighed but pulled the door open wider and waved her into the kitchen. When he slammed it shut, she winced.
She watched as he walked to the counter, leaned against it, folded his arms and looked at her.
“You shouldn’t have changed your flight,” he said, and a pain shot through her heart.
“I thought we could—”
