Page 84 of Holding You
“Why was it deleted?” Colt asks and his grin only gets bigger.
“It doesn't matter.”
“I had to know. Especially after the other night,” Declan says.
“What happened the other night?”
“Nothing,” Declan and I answer at the same time.
Colt gives us a double thumbs-up. “I’ll just go say good night to Max and Susie.”
He disappears into the house, and I fold my arms and glare at Declan.
I don’t even know what to say. I’m so, so, so …
“I’m sorry,” he blurts out before I can put words together. “I knew it was wrong the moment I did it.”
I know he’s waiting for me to say something, but I still don’t know what to say. Saying I feel violated feels wrong after what I did this morning.
The longer he stares at me, the more my eyes sting, and when I know I’m about to cry, I turn for the door.
“Ruby, wait.” He grabs my hand and pulls me back. Only he tugs more than enough to pull me back and spin me into him. He wraps the hand not holding mine around my waist to stop my momentum.
On instinct, I look up into his eyes.
“I really am sorry.”
The sincerity in his voice is like a warm blanket wrapping me up.
He really means it.
“Thank you,” I manage to whisper.
He doesn’t let go of me, and I don’t let go of him.
His gaze shifts to my lips, and I inhale, closing my eyes.
All too quickly, I feel his hand leave mine, and my body goes cold in the distance he gives us.
He clears his throat. “I’ll uh, let you go say goodbye to Colt.”
I turn quickly and rush inside.
He was going to kiss me and chose not to.
I was going to let him, and he turned me down.
I step into the living room and spot the kids each in their own spot, now watching a movie.
“Where did your dad go?” I ask Max.
“He left. Said he would text you.”
I hear the sliding door open and close, but I don't turn to look.
I can't look at him right now.
Not when I don’t know what just happened—or rather what didn’t just happen.
