Page 172 of Almost Ours
My stomach clenched. This wasn’t how she was supposed to find out.
I ran a hand through my hair, heart hammering against my ribs.Damn it. I didn’t want her to think I was sneaking off without saying anything. I wasn’t trying to run–I’d planned to tell her. To tell Connor.
But she never answered me. And now? Now she was at a bar, probably hearing about it from Kyle. The thought made me feel sick.
Ryan: I’m on my way.
I shoved my phone in my pocket, pacing the living room.Shit. Shit. Shit.
What the hell was I supposed to say when I saw her? Would she think I was bailing on her? That I’d planned on slipping away without a word? That I didn’t care.
My jaw tightened.
I hated that she might believe that.
Hated even more that I hadn’t given her much of a reason not to.
For half a second, I considered blowing it off. Just staying here, avoiding the inevitable fallout.
Then I thought about Harper’s face when she found out–from someone who wasn’t me.
I grabbed my keys and headed for the door.
The drive felt like it took forever, every mile stretched tight with doubts and second-guessing. Turning back wasn’t an option, though.
I had to face her.
And I had no idea what I was going to say.
I exhaled hard, rubbing a hand over my jaw as I pulled into the parking lot. The pub was packed, the glow of the neon sign casting long shadows across the pavement. Music and laughterspilled from the entrance as a group of people stepped outside, their voices loud and carefree.
I wasn’t carefree. I was fucking terrified. I ran a hand through my hair and stepped inside.
Harper.
I spotted her immediately.
She was sitting in a booth, laughing at something Kyle had said, her head tilted back just slightly. Her hair cascaded down her shoulders, the soft green wrap dress she wore hugging her curves in a way that made my mouth go dry. Her legs were crossed at the ankle, her boots making them look impossibly long.
For a moment, I stood still, watching her with a mixture of longing and regret. I hadn't realized how much I missed her–how much Istillmissed her. She looked beautiful, happier than I’d seen her in weeks, and it made something inside of me ache.
But it wasn’t for me. She wasn’t looking at me like that anymore.
As if sensing me, she glanced up. Her eyes met mine, and for a brief second, the world seemed to stop. Her smile was soft, hesitant, but real.
“Hi.”
My heart damn near stopped in my chest.
“Hey,” I managed, my voice rougher than I wanted it to be. My pulse pounded in my ears. The silence stretched, thick and charged. She was waiting for me to say something–I could feel it. Before I could, Shane piped up from across the table.
“About damn time you got here,” he said grinning. “What, were you doing your hair?”
I rolled my eyes, feeling a little of the tension break. “Something like that,” I said dryly, shoving my hands in my jacket pockets.
Shane nodded toward Kyle. “You’re the designated driver now, by the way. Kyle’s had a few beers, and I’m definitely not sober enough to drive later.”
Kyle chuckled, raising his glass in mock salute.
