Page 35 of Ivory's Ruin Romance

Nothing about that seemed too awkward. But Adrian’s response had multiple lines—too long to be a simple “no.” Her apprehension magnified as she opened the text.

Black Knight

Offer is still good. You can set an appointment up at the salon or come over to my apartment. Either way, it’s free of charge.

She read his words a second time, then a third, and slowly digested his lack of rejection. He’d upheld his promise to be professional. Did this mean he was being polite even though he didn’t like her? Or was his professionalism in spite of deeper feelings?

At first, helping him find whatever it was he needed had been her only goal, and she still wanted that with all her heart, but her desire for his well-being no longer outweighed the possibility of losing their connection. Nothing she’d ever experienced before had come close.

Watching him leave the party that night, content to leave her behind while she clung to his memory, had left a heavy imprint on her chest. When had the scales tipped? The moment she’d outright asked him to fuck her? Or when he’d given her a taste of what exactly that would feel like?

Or maybe it was when she’d believed what he said—that she was good.

Not good enough, just good. A good girl.

She read the reply a fourth time. He gave two options: go to the salon, where she could request any stylist, or go to his apartment.

One held true to their non-stranger pact. Formal, but not outright avoidance.

The other would be more than that. She highly doubted it would lead to a repeat of the last time, even though she’d gladly bend over any surface he wanted, but it was clear that being in his apartment led to conversations they couldn’t have elsewhere.

In the end, she knew she’d made her choice the moment he offered all those months ago.

Your apartment will be fine since I already know where it is, but I’ll pay for the dye.

She didn’t want to take advantage of his generosity, even though he had a job and all she had was her summer savings. His reply came faster than she expected.

Okay. You only need to pay if you want to—it’s not an issue. Did you have a day in mind?

They discussed schedules and settled on next Thursday evening. As the conversation neared its end, she put her phone down on her chest and looked at the night sky. Then reached for the phone again.

Can you see the stars right now? The sky is clear tonight.

No, I’m inside. But I can go out on the porch.

The memory of him standing with the glass door open in his apartment rushed back. The air was just as frigid now as it had been then. Inside, it had smelled clean, like fresh laundry and Pine Sol. If he didn’t smoke indoors, the only place for him to go would be on the porch.

That’s okay. I don’t want to think you’re out there to give yourself lung cancer.

I already smoked tonight, no worries.

She rolled her eyes, grateful he couldn’t see it. The action wouldn’t earn her a reward. She was sure of that.

I’m outside now.

She giggled—he’d really gone outside! Carefully, she selected her next words.

If you ever wanted someone to listen…I wouldn’t judge or try to fix anything. I won’t even say anything back if you don’t want me to.

That way, we could both be alone, under the stars.

With a deep breath, she pressed send and hoped it hadn’t been too soon to breach such a topic. Still, she half expected him to ghost her.

He didn’t.

I know you wouldn’t, sweetheart.

You study space, right?

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