AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He cocked his head and made a face. “Listen, you don’t have to hide it from me, Evelina—”
“Take me home right this minute.” She fought back the urge to cry, refusing to do so in front of him. Of all the stupidest, childish, and foolish things to think. She had actually thought he had kissed her out of love.
He sighed. “It’s still raining.”
She glanced past him and sure enough, the rain continued to pelt the earth. However, at that moment she cared less what the weather was doing, she just needed to put distance between Ryan and herself.
However, no matter how strong her convictions to storm out of that little shelter, she did not move a single muscle. She couldn’t. All she could do was simply stare at the rain with despair, wishing ardently she possessed the poise to make that exit with a grace she could only dream of.
“I know what happened to you that day on the bluffs.”
She froze, her gaze ricocheted back to his face. “What?”
“Your father told me what happened.”
A numbness swept over her body.
“You know you can’t let it dictate your life like this, Evelina.”
“I have no idea what you are talking about.”
“You have to learn to face your fears.”
“I want to get out of here.”
“Please listen to me, Evelina—”
“No, I do not. I need to leave. Right now.”
He exhaled heavily and slunk back against the stone bridge. “The world isn’t against you.”
She made a loud scoffing sound and looked away insulted. “I know that!”
“Do you? Look at the way you live your life. Holed up in your parents’ house.” He frowned. “That isn’t living, Evelina. It’s no way to live your life. Especially someone so young. You are missing out on so much.”
She froze at those words.
“I want to help you.” He reached out and touched the side of her cheek. “I want to help you regain your confidence.”
She flinched and jerked her face away from his hand. “I don’t need your help. I’m perfectly happy the way I am.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“I don’t care what you believe.”
There were a few minutes of silence before he stepped out of the shelter and stared back at her while rain showered down around him. “Then come out here and show me.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
“Why not?”
“Why should I?”
“Because it’s only rain.”
Indignation flared up in the pit of her stomach. “I know its only rain.”
“Then what are you afraid of?”
