Page 21 of The Billionaire's Cinderella

Her evident sincerity makes me feel better. Not secure, but better.

“I’m happy to receive any and all abject apologies you want to offer me,” I tell her. “Tonight. At dinner.”

“Ryker…”

“If that doesn’t work, I’ve got a work event in the Hamptons this weekend. At my family home. You can come with me so we can spend some time together. You can have your own room if you want. No pressure. Or we can do breakfast or lunch one day this week. Whatever.”

She flounders, either running out of excuses or the will to keep making excuses. I damn sure hope it’s the latter.

“I can’t,” she says finally, and there’s no mistaking the note of regret in her voice. “It’s bad timing for me.”

“Why?” I say, frustration making me edgy.

“I broke up with my long-term boyfriend a few months ago. That stung.”

This news is like a shot of concrete through my veins.

“You’re not over him,” I say dully.

“It’s not that,” she says. “I’m still processing. Figuring out what’s right for me. I’m just not ready to start anything right now. I hope you understand.”

I don’t want to understand. Not if understanding keeps me away from her.

“Look,” I say, running my hands over the top of my head and probably making a mess of my hair. “I’m sorry about your breakup. But if he’s out of your life, then it seems like the perfect time to explore something new. We can take it slow. Have dinner with me. See how it goes.”

She wavers. I can see it. She wants me, too. I can feel it.

Which makes it hurt even more when she shoots me down anyway.

“I’m sorry, Ryker. It’s a bad idea right now. And I’m providing the desserts for your Hamptons event this weekend, so I couldn’t be your date anyway.” A couple of customers walk in and head to the counter just then, giving her the excuse I’m sure she’s looking for. “I need to get back to work.”

I can’t give up that easily. It’s just not in me. This feels far too important.

“So you don’t like me?” I quickly ask, standing when she stands and sending up a silent thanks when Gilda hurries out to serve the newcomers. “You haven’t been thinking about me? Maybe wishing we could see each other again? That’s what you’re saying?”

She looks away. She can’t even maintain eye contact, much less work up a plausible lie.

Don’t give up,my gut tells me.

“That’s what I thought,” I tell her, feeling a quiet surge of triumph as I turn to go. “That’s exactly what I thought. See you soon, sunshine.”

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