Page 108 of You're The One
“Didn’t Dom tell you?”
“Dom? Since when do you have a nickname for him?”
“Dominic,” I correct with a mock sigh. “Is that better?”
When evasion fails, snark never does.
But Ryan’s not biting. His frown deepens. “Do you like him?”
He says it like it’s such a ridiculous idea. Like I’ve announced I’m moving to Mars.
“Yup.”
“Really? Because I’m pretty sure you’ve called himthe worstmore times than I can count.”
“Well, opinions can change.”
“Mia.” His tone softens, but it still carries that older-brother edge that makes me feel twelve again. “I don’t want you getting hurt.”
I wave it off like it’s no big deal, like I’m not already in deeper than I meant to be. I don’t look at him when I say, “I won’t.”
“You’ve been spending a lot of time with him.”
“Yeah, that’s kind of a requirement when you’re dating someone…tryingto date someone.”
“As he’s also dating other women,” he adds, like I need the reminder.
He studies me for a long second, his mouth pressed flat.
“I know he talks about wanting to settle down, but I’m not sure I can see that happening. He likes the idea of love, but the reality? I’m not sure. I don’t want you getting wrapped up in all of this.” He gestures toward the cameras, which I’d all but forgotten were there.
He pauses, thinking it through, then adds, “He does seem… different, but be careful, okay?”
Knowing Ryan, he’ll feel responsible if this doesn’t work out, and nothing I say will ease it. So I nod, even though I don’t agree with my brother’s assessment. Not anymore.
A month ago, Dom didn’t exactly scream long-term. He was charming and reckless and beautiful in that maddening way that made me want to kiss himandstrangle him.
But now?
Now I’ve seen more than just the act he puts on. I’ve seen how he shows up for people. How he listens. How hard he tries, especially with me.
He’s still infuriating, but he’s also steady, in ways I didn’t expect.
I don’t think he’d ever purposely hurt me. But that doesn’t mean this is simple.
There are cameras and schedules and confessionals designed to twist everything into something shinier or messier. It complicates things. I’m counting on the next week in Hawaii to ground me like travel always has. Exploring new places. Moving. That’s when I feel my best. Hopefully it’ll be enough to balance out everything else.
When I signed up for the show, I thought I was getting a free vacation. I didn’t expect a travel partner.
I definitely didn’t expecthim.
TRYING
WEEK 6
THIRTY-FIVE
Bodhi plopsinto the empty seat beside me.
