Page 91 of Pulled Away

His eyes light up and he takes a step towards me. “Let me court you.”

“Court me?” I ask, confused.

“Yes. Old school style.”

“What does that even mean?”

“It means give me the opportunity to win back your affection and approval. We’ll take it slow; get to know each other deeply. You know, courting.”

“We’ve done all that,” I say dubiously.

“Yes, but it was rushed. This time, I’ll take the time and do it properly. The way you deserve.”

“I don’t know, Ryan.” His face falls at my sigh. “I’m not sure I’m into almost thirty-year-olds still living with their parents.”

He chuckles, but sobers quickly, his smile drying up, leaving us staring at each other in silence.

“I have missed you.”

“Is that a yes?” he asks, cautiously hopeful.

“No. But it’s not a no either. Today was just so much, and I wasn’t expecting this. I need some time to think.”

He’s nodding before I’m done talking. “I can live with that.”

“I still can’t take your money, Ryan.”

He steps up to me and tucks some hair behind my ear. “The rescue is your dream, Aspen,” he says softly. “My dream is seeing your dream come true. Please don’t ask me to take it back.” Dropping his lips against my forehead, he murmurs. “Allow me to love you in any way I can. Or,” he says, straightening and stepping back. “See it as Worker’s Compensation. You trusted your heart and your future to me, and I hurt both of them.”

Chapter thirty-two

Aspen

“So,” I say, taking the mug from Bailey and curling up on the couch. “I quit the Silver Stiletto.”

It was the first thing I did when I woke up. With immediate effect. I hit send on the email and then did the happy dance to end all happy dances. It’s a good thing I was alone because a dancer I’m certainly not.

I guess I didn’t technically have to resign as I never even caught a whiff of an employment contract, but the place was good to me, so I couldn’t just not show up for my next shift. I’m certainly going to miss Alice. And Jordy.

The second thing I did was throw on some clothes before making my way to Kallan’s house, where an enthusiastic Tuk greeted me. He’s at that puppy stage where they’re all legs. So freaking cute.

“And just in time.” Bailey smiles. “The roads get tricky once the snow starts.” She looks at me quizzically. This is the first time since I moved in that I’ve been to the house. Just because I’m living on Kallan’s property doesn’t mean I’m entitled to encroach on their privacy. “What’s on your mind?”

“Ryan said he wants to date.”

Saying it feels silly because not long ago we were living together.

“I see. And how do you feel about that?”

We stare at each other and then chuckle. All I need to do to make this an authentic therapy session is lie down, fold my hands across my stomach, and stare at the ceiling. Well, according to the movies. I’ve never actually had a therapy session.

“I don’t know.” Grabbing a throw pillow, I clutch it against my stomach, biting my lip while I debate my answer. “Can I ask you something? About Quinn.” I give her an apologetic look.

“Sure.” She looks at me wearily. She’s happy with Kallan, but the pain Quinn’s actions caused her doesn’t just go away overnight.

“Did you ever consider forgiving him?”

“No. Not once.” Her answer is swift and decisive.

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