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I desperately want him to be proud of me and to think highly of my work. I stare at him, waiting for his approval when we’re done.
“It’s fantastic,” he says. “Elegant. Very you.”
The warmth of his words washes over me like a wave, and I turn to him like a flower turns toward the sun.
He gives me that smile I’ve come to love so much—the smile that makes me feel like I’m the best woman in the world.
I struggle to keep my composure and act aloof, all while a fire burns inside me that cannot be contained. That fire burns for Ryland.
Chapter4
Coach me
Ryland
Sabine is stunning, and I love spending time with her. How can I stay away when all I want to do is get closer?
Since we reconnected at the wedding, I’ve been looking for the right opportunity to make my move and show her that there’s more to me. Doing nothing means I’ll lose her forever.
I need to find a way to make her change her mind about how she sees me because being Zane’s friend is killing any chance I have of getting closer.
It drives me crazy not to tell her how I feel, but I figured the day would come when everything would change. Although I didn’t know when or how the situation would present itself, I’m a patient man, and she is worth waiting for.
I made a reservation at Ironbark, but when we arrive, the table I booked is occupied.
The manager escorts us to the bar, where we order drinks while we wait for our table to clear. The bartender, Miles, slides two coasters in front of us before taking our order.
“Enjoy your drinks,” Miles says as he hands Sabine the cocktail she ordered.
Sabine eyes the fruity concoction thoughtfully. The cocktail is a vibrant watermelon color, with a frothy white topping and a lively pink umbrella perched on top.
“You can always ask for something else,” I tell her.
“I’m fine with it,” she says before taking a sip and promptly screwing up her pert nose.
“What does it taste like?”
“A little too sweet.” She pulls a slice of lime off the rim and squeezes it into the glass.
“Impossible,” I mutter under my breath. Nothing’s too sweet where Sabine’s concerned. She looks positively delicious and good enough to eat.
“What was that?” she asks, her eyes meeting mine. I feel the weight of her gaze, and the intensity of her stare makes me want to take her in my arms and kiss her until we’re breathless.
“Nothing,” I reply, swigging the beer Miles brought me.
“You’re being very secretive.” Her voice is low and husky.
“And you’re being nosy,” I reply.
“A little,” Sabine says, her attention focused on her drink as she swirls the cocktail with the swizzle stick.
“Then I’ll have to punish you.” Everything inside me tightens when I realize I spoke my innermost fantasy aloud.
Sabine’s eyes widen, and she quickly looks away. She picks up her drink and takes another sip, clearly avoiding eye contact.
The barman slides a couple of menus across the top of the bar. I grab them, handing one to Sabine before scanning the options for something suitable.
“Check it out.” I place the menu in front of Sabine and point to an item in the appetizers section. “Chili and garlic shrimp with crispy fried noodles.”
