AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I jump when Ryder sits down beside me.
I sigh as I close my eyes. “How did you find me?” I whisper.
“My mother told me where you might be.”
“Oh.” I don't know what else to say. I can't push away the embarrassment. It's clouding my thoughts and making me dizzy.
He reaches out to hold my hand, but I yank it away as if burned by his touch. I'm far too overwhelmed and vulnerable right now. A little more than stupid.
“Buttons, we're going to have to talk,” Ryder says softly.
“No, we don't need to talk. There’s nothing left to be said,” I argue. “I'd actually be okay with forgetting it all.”
“That doesn’t work for me, sweetheart.”
“Why not?” I whine, trying to keep my voice down even though we're the only ones here.
“Because,” he starts. “I just found out that I'm responsible for hurting you, and I didn't even have a clue.”
“Clueless or not, that letter was from you,” I point out, rolling my eyes. “I'm not stupid—at least notthatstupid.”
“Tillie, I did write the note, but it was for Emily, stupidly thinking that we could try again,” he says, with a shake of his head.
“You don't think I figured that out over the years? Heck, I figured it out that night—at least most of it. It doesn't matter. You were still in love with her while I was in love with you. It would've hurt with or without the letter. Seeing you with her and hearing you say out loud how you felt about her, while making love with her—all while thinking I was there to finally have you in my world.It hurt.”
“Damn it, sweetheart.”
“Ryder, honestly, it doesn't matter. It was six years ago. We're different people now. It's in the past.”
“It's not the past, though. It's here between us now, Tillie.”
“There is no us,” I tell him dryly.
He reaches over, turning my head, so I have to turn my whole body in my seat to look at him as he cups the side of my face. His thumb strokes soothing circles into my cheek.
“There is,” he says adamantly.
“Why? What's so different now?” I ask. “Is it because Emily isn't in the picture? Because I'm still the same person Ryder. What happens if Emily comes back? Or heck, some other woman just as beautiful and appealing to you as she was? You never noticed me all those years ago. Once you find another Emily to warm your bed, I'll fade into the woodwork just as I did before—just as I always have.”
“Christ. You haven't heard a word I've said to you,” he says, sighing heavily.
“I have. But I also know when a man wants a woman, he doesn't hold back the way you have–especiallyif she's offering more,” I argue. “I don't know what kind of game you're playing, but today is just a reminder that I'm just not the girl for you and it’s a reminder I desperately needed.”
Right,” he growls. “That's enough of this bullshit.” He stands up, reaches down, and pulls me with him. Next, he grabs me by wrapping his arm just under my ass and then lifts me up and over his shoulder before I can say anything.
“What are you doing?” I scream as he marches us out of the theater.
“I'm taking you back to your place and tying you to the damn bed so we can have this out once and for all.”
“That’s not happening,” I screech.
He has the audacity to laugh. “I keep telling you, Buttons. You have a lot to learn about me.”
I feel my belly lurch, a hot wave of need thrusting through me and centering between my legs.
“Put me down, Ryder. I can walk with you.” I practically beg. “I'd rather not have more people talking about me.”
“I like having you in my arms. I don't think I'm ready to let you go,” Ryder argues, laughing. “Let them talk. At least the town will know you belong to me, even if you and my damn brother refuse to admit it.”
