Page 55 of Wanting You

Sadly, everything her sister was saying was right.

It took her a few moments, but she reluctantly agreed. “How do I stop feeling what I’m feeling? I’m going to ruin this relationship before it even has a chance if I don’t do something.”

“I know you’re not big on confrontation, but…you need to talk to him. It doesn’t need to be an argument or anything dramatic, just a conversation where you tell him how you feel.”

She snorted. “He’ll think I’m a horrible person and break up with me.”

“Then you know what? He’s not the person you thought he was. Or…maybe he’s the person you originally thought he was—the icky jerk.” She laughed softly. “Either way, this is something that has the potential to strengthen your relationship.”

“I don’t see how…”

“True colors, Chlo. You’re showing him your vulnerable side and hopefully he’s going to show you he’s…you know…not a jerk. Maybe he’ll show you he’s just as insecure as you are and maybe you need to take some of your…ahem…teaching advice, and keep it to yourself. Or at least wait for him to ask for it.”

“Ugh…” she whined. “Why are you always right?”

Preening from the praise, Ashlynn hummed happily. “As much as I’d like to say it comes naturally, it doesn’t. I’ve just had to do a bit of groveling and learning how to open myself up a lot with Reid. Sometimes it sucks and it’s awkward and uncomfortable, but the results are worth it.” She stood and took her plate to the sink. “Do you think you’ll call him when you get home later or wait until after school tomorrow to talk about this?”

“Probably tomorrow so I can think about what I’m going to say that will make me sound a little less pathetic.”

“Not pathetic,” her sister corrected. “Human.”

“Fine, human. Whatever.”

Nodding, Ashlynn went to the freezer and pulled out a gallon of cookies and cream. “And to reward you for your bravery—though it’s yet to be seen—we will celebrate with ice cream sundaes!”

It may have been a crappy afternoon, but it was turning into a really good night.

It wasn’t like him to feel so out of sorts, but that’s exactly how he felt.

Ever since Chloe hadn’t responded to his last text, he’d been certain she was upset with him over something. But what? Last he checked, they were fine. When she left school for the day, she said she’d see him later. Sure, it was that generic kind of statement and they didn’t make any plans, but…everything about her texts seemed off.

Chloe: I’m sitting here with Ash and everything’s good.

Chloe: I’ll see you in the morning, okay?

Chloe: Have a good night.

Tanner: Can I call you later?

But she’d never even responded or read that last text.

What the hell did I do?

At lunch, they’d talked about starting plans for the winter program and some potential holiday projects, and then she shared her selection of books she liked to read with the class this time of year. It was nothing out of the ordinary, and he’d appreciated her suggestions, but he didn’t commit to any of them.

Was that it? Was that the problem? She felt like he wasn’t contributing?

Hmm…

It was a little after nine and he wondered if she was home from dinner with her sister. He hated to let this wait until tomorrow because once they were at work, there really wasn’t time to talk. And if there was one thing he hated, it was going to sleep when he was mad. He had a feeling she felt the same way. So if she was mad at him, he didn’t want that to drag on until the morning.

With his mind made up, Tanner grabbed his keys before he could change his mind and walked out to his car. If she wasn’t home, all he’d done was waste five minutes or less of driving.

But he seriously hoped she was home.

Her car was in the driveway and the lights were on, so he knew she was home and awake. He parked and walked up to her door and rang the bell, letting out a long breath as he did. His heart was racing and he couldn’t believe he was nervous. When was the last time he’d ever felt this nervous?

“Tanner?” Chloe said, her confusion obvious as she opened the door. She was wearing a pair of flannel pajama pants, a t-shirt, a robe, and her hair was up in a ponytail. There wasn’t even a hint of makeup on her face, and she looked utterly adorable.

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