Page 47 of All I Feel

He rolled his eyes. “Don’t you have work to do?”

I burst out laughing. Then I got to work. But I didn’t do it for Phoenix. I did it because I had no intention of showing up late to pick up Tessa for our friendly date.

THIRTEEN

TESSA

My doorbell rang,but I wasn’t ready.

I let out a groan of frustration, disappointed that, despite my best efforts, I was late. This was nothing new. But it bugged me, especially tonight.

Because I hadn’t wanted to do anything that would mess up this evening, and it was already starting off on the wrong foot.

I should’ve expected this was how things were going to go. Even though I’d had my text conversation with Ace from this morning and a full day of wonderful clients to keep my spirits elevated, those things struggled to do so when I’d received a text from Ryan.

My mood had been on such an upward trajectory after Ace had given me the opportunity to choose what to do tonight. He knew how much I loved roller skating, and it thrilled me that he was willing to take me out to the skating rink for a night of fun.

It figured that Ryan would reach out and ruin what was supposed to be a wonderful day. In all fairness, I’d allowed it to happen.

After getting myself ready this morning, I’d gathered up my things and was preparing to walk out the door to head to work when I received Ryan’s text.

Ryan

Despite your best friend’s brother acting like a tough guy, I don’t take orders from him. I want you, Tessa, and I’m fully prepared to get you back.

I’d been so caught off guard by his message. It wasn’t so much that I was shocked by what he said; it was more that he’d waited that long after Ace’s visit to say anything at all.

As I’d driven myself to work, I considered how to respond. Do nothing or put a stop to it. Ultimately, I’d decided it’d be best to just nip it in the bud, so I tapped out a quick reply as soon as I pulled up outside of work.

This has nothing to do with Ace. I’m done with you. I’m moving on with my life. I think you should do the same.

I tossed my phone in my purse and walked into the salon. My morning had been busy, so it hadn’t been terribly difficult to push Ryan’s text to the back of my mind. But when lunchtime rolled around, I had a voicemail waiting from him.

Simply seeing that message waiting there made me think that I’d decided wrong when I replied to his text earlier in the day. Even though I thought I’d been clear about where I stood with him, perhaps Ryan believed it wasan invitation for more conversation. Maybe he thought it was an opportunity to discuss things and attempt to change my mind.

Against my better judgment, I listened to his voicemail.

“Tessa, we need to talk about this. I told you I’d give you some time, and I intended to do that, but I’m not going to accept having all your family and friends thinking they can waltz right into my law practice to speak their minds. So, I’ll give you a couple of days, but we’re going to resolve this. We’re going to be together, babe. I know you love me. And I think the world of you. We were already good together. I know we can be great. Take a few days and call me.”

The more he spoke, the more one thing became clear. The man was insane. He clearly had unfinished business with his ex. I didn’t know why he even cared to hang on to me if she’d been capable of fulfilling his needs for nearly all the months that I was with him.

There was nothing for me to think about. I was done. It was over. So, instead of torturing myself with unwanted texts or calls from him, I blocked his number.

My afternoon had been nearly as busy as my morning, but I found it hard to push Ryan’s antics to the back of my mind. Blocking his number felt like the right move, but it had me wondering if that might mean he’d go to other measures to contact me. The only silver lining was that he’d told me to take a few days. At least I’d have some time before Ryan would even realize I’d taken that step.

For now, my only hope was that Ryan reaching out twice today, killing my happy vibe in the process, wasn’t an indication of what was ahead for the evening with Ace. It was on that thought that I came to a stop at the door and blew out a big breath before I opened it.

Ace’s eyes swept down over me, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. I was standing there in an oversized T-shirt. Maybe I should’ve felt awkward, but this was Ace, and he’d already seen far more when I’d answered the door in my nightie. “Am I early?”

“I’m late. I know I’m late. I’m so sorry.”

“Ah, there’s no need to apologize. I’m sure I’m a few minutes ahead of schedule.”

Warmth moved through me. Ace was not early. He was right on time. But I loved that he wasn’t willing to make me feel bad about being perpetually late for everything.

“You’re being exceptionally gracious about this. I promise I’m almost ready, though. Can you give me a few minutes to get myself dressed?”

He jerked his chin down. “Go ahead. I’ll keep myself occupied until you get back.”