Page 121 of Renegade Rift

Sophia’s eyes soften, and I recognize the guilt in the way she drops her shoulders. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

While I know she didn’t, I’ve learned Sophia does nothing without a reason. Which is why I ask, “Why are you telling me this?”

A weighted sigh slips free from her lips. “Because Ford is one of my dearest friends, and while I love him to death, we’ve already establishedhe’s also the special kind of stupid that would give you the shirt off his back and ask for nothing in return.”

Or pay off over a million dollars in debt.

My forehead creases as I try to navigate where this is going. “Is this your version of the you break his heart I’ll break your face talk?”

“No, I don’t need to issue empty threats.” Sophia huffs a sardonic laugh. “This is me telling you that if you’re going to let him down, be easy with him. Ford acts like he’s tough as nails, but he’s not, and he’s already lost enough in this life.”

“And I haven’t?” I scoff, hating how defensive my knee jerk reaction sounds—as if everything I’ve lost is worth less than what Ford has.

Shit.

Is that how I really feel?

The truth is, maybe. It’s hard to reconcile the weight of loss. Especially when more often than not Ford has gotten literally everything he’s ever wanted in life.

Including me.

God, why are all these revelations hitting at once?

Maybe I’m not as ready as I thought to talk with Ford.

And I definitely need tocall that therapist Willow recommended.

“That’s not what I’m saying,” A soft smile tips Sophia’s lips as she continues to placate me and defend her friend. “I like you, Etta, and I think despite the fact neither of you want to admit how much you care about each other, Ford and you are good together.” She takes a step forward, but when I tense, she stops. “I’ve watched you in this kitchen over the last two weeks. You’re on the cusp of finding your stride and making a name for yourself in this industry. And while I am so fucking excited to be at your side and help you grow, if you don’t want Ford there as well, then you need to tell him tonight and put an end to this before he’s in too deep. Because while you may still have the ability to walk away easily, he really is that puppy, and I don’t want to see him get kicked.”

This is why I’m a cat person. They don’t have feelings like this. They’ll cuddle you one minute, then claw the crap out of your face the next. They’re predictable in their unpredictability.

And yet, a puppy doesn’t sound so bad these days.

Damn it.

So much for no voodoo mind tricks. This is ten times worse than thebreak his heart, I’ll break your facetalk.

“It’s just something to think about,” she says as she reaches up and unbuttons the shoulder of her chef's coat. “I’m headed out to Mercer’s hearing. I’ll shoot you a text when we’re done and Ford is on his way home.”

I should tell her I have no intention of leaving.

I should tell her I’m not going to look for another apartment because Ford’s is the only place I consider home.

I should be honest with myself and own the reckless feelings of my heart.

But where I started the day so freaking confident, this conversation has left me wavering in my resolve.

Either way, if I’m going to talk about this, it should be with Ford first.

Which means I have a handful of hours to figure out if that’s what I’m going to do.

Because, in theory, love should be enough to conquer all these emotions.

And I think I might be considering adopting a puppy.

CHAPTER FORTY

FORD

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