“I’m sorry,” I blurt. “For pushing you away. I just… I think I am really scared of getting hurt again.”
The words start coming faster now, tumbling over each other. “But I realized something.” I swallow. “I don’t—I don’t actually care if I get hurt. Because what if something happens? What if I let this—” I gesture vaguely between us, “—pass me by just because I was scared?”
My chest rises sharply as I finally take a breath.
“I don’t want to miss this,” I finish quickly. “And it doesn’t matter if I get hurt or if something happens because you’re worth the risk.”
The words leave me all at once, and I let out a long, shaky exhale. Silence drops between us.
“You can, um…” I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. “You can talk now.”
Ryan only smiles. “Well then,” he says gently, “I guess I’m gonna have to get used to you getting all shy and red-cheeked around me.”
I let out a breathy laugh and lightly shove his chest. “Oh my God. Shut up.”
He just grins wider, both hands settling at my waist.
Softly, teasing, he says, “So… you wanna repeat that one sentence you said a couple minutes ago?”
I loop my arms around his neck and my eyes narrow. “Which one?”
“The important one.”
“Oh, you mean the part where I said I love teasing you?” I ask sweetly.
He deadpans. “Not that one.”
“Hmm. The part where I said I love annoying you?”
“Maddy.”
“The part where I said—”
He gives me a look. The one that melts my brain a little. “Come on,” he murmurs.
I sigh, and roll my eyes, pretending to be annoyed. “Fine,” I say. And then, quieter, “I love you.”
His smile softens into something warmer, steadier. “I love you too.”
I point a finger at his chest. “Don’t get used to it.”
He smirks immediately. “Too late.”
He kisses me again, and the group behind us erupts like we just won a championship.
“Okay, that’s enough,” Noah groans. “I gave permission, but this is still deeply uncomfortable.”
Kiara wipes a fake tear. “I love love.”
“Please never say that again,” Liam tells her. Mel just smiles at us, soft and happy, leaning her head against Liam’s shoulder.
Ryan laughs, shaking his head, and pulls me closer.
“Oh my God, I now officially have a sister,” Bailey gasps.
I laugh, shaking my head. “Oh yeah, you’re no getting rid of me.”
Ryan tilts his head towards her. “I am still not over the fact you knew this whole time.”
