Page 14 of Pulled Away

“So, how is it going with the visitor?”

“Fine,” I say with a half shrug.

I don’t know if it’s because of jet lag, but Hadley kept herself scarce after they got back, and I can’t say I’m too unhappy about it. Ryan was being extra attentive the rest of the night, bringing me a glass of wine while I was in the bath and fussing over the gash in my arm. His face dropped with guilt when I explained how I got it, which I guess explains the omelet with all my favorite trimmings waiting for me by the time I got out of the bath.

“Do you know Hadley?” I ask, leaning against the reception desk where Piper’s typing away at her computer. We have a rare lull between appointments, so I know I won’t get raised eyebrows from Julia for taking a few minutes to talk to Piper.

“Not really. With the two-year age gap, we weren’t friends when we were in school, and she moved after college. Rose knows her well, though.”

And she was quite open about her dislike for her. My phone chimes and I pull it out.

Ryan:Taking Hadley to see her dad. Will be back by the time you get home

I almost want to roll my eyes. Yeah, like he said he’d meet me at Frosty’s and at the rescue. And since when does he have time to go all over the show? Even in my mind, I sound snarky, so instead of saying anything, I send him a thumbs up.

Pocketing my phone, I look up, finding Piper’s eyes on me, her eyebrows raised.

“Trouble in paradise?”

I bite my lip, debating if I should say something. On the one hand, talking about it feels like I’m being disloyal to Ryan, but on the other hand, maybe I need a reality check. Maybe I just need someone else to tell me I’m being a selfish asshole.

“No…maybe.” I sigh. “He blew me off twice this weekend because of Hadley.”

“I know he skipped out at Frosty’s. What was the second time?”

“He was supposed to help me with something at the rescue but took Hadley to see her dad instead. And then took her to lunch after to help her calm down.”

“Yeah, I mean, I can sort of understand that.”

“I know. I get that she needs his support. It’s not that, not really. Both times he didn’t bother to let me know.” Like I don’t even cross his mind when he’s with her. “He just left me hanging.” Dropping my head into my hands, I groan. “I’m being a selfish, insecure bitch, aren’t I? One who suffers from only child syndrome. I blame my parents. They never taught me how to share my toys.” I’m trying for a joke, but even to my ears, it sounds flat.

“No, don’t do that. I would also be upset at being left hanging. Did you talk to him about it?”

“Not really. But he apologized. I could tell he felt bad.”

“Then maybe cut him some slack. You know how guys are. They suck at multitasking. I’m sure this is difficult for him. Just see how it goes. And if it happens again, talk to him.”

My shoulders deflate and I give Piper a thankful smile. Piper’s not the type to take crap from anyone, and if she thinks I’m being overly sensitive, then maybe I am.

Immediately, guilt replaces my relief. I’m not being fair to Ryan. Everything doesn’t revolve around me, and instead of making this about me, I should be a supportive partner and support him while he’s supporting a friend through her trauma.

“Thanks, Piper.”

There’s a bit of a spring to my step when I head to the back. I’m going to make tonight all about Ryan, and instead of him pampering me, I’ll be the one doing the pampering.

“Hmm…That smells amazing,” Ryan murmurs against my neck, his arms winding around my waist.

“Bloody hell, Harry,” I mutter, my heart pounding. “Make some noise next time.”

I feel his chuckle against my back at my Harry Potter reference, but what can I say? I’m a firm fan of Ron, the quirky sidekick that got his happy ever after. Even if I think it was with the wrong girl.

Putting my knife down, I turn in his arms, taking a deep breath. While I love the smell of fresh cilantro, it has nothing on Ryan. Those first few dates it wasn’t just his cute smile, good looks, and goofy personality that drew me to him. It was his scent. And I’m not talking about his shaving cream, deodorant, or the product he puts in his hair. It’s the scent underneath all of that. The scent of his skin, his breath, even his perspiration on a hot day. Breathing him in is like a love drug for me.

“I was. I can’t help it if you’re lost in your daydreams. Clam Chowder?”

I nod, pressing a quick kiss to his lips and turning back to the chopping board. Wanting to treat Ryan, I stopped at the store on my way home to pick up the ingredients for his favorite meal. He was on a conference call when I got home, so I blew him a quick kiss and immediately started dinner.

“Good timing. It’s almost done.”

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