Page 23 of A Very Grumpy Halloween

Then, once we started going out, I was helpless to stop loving him. Things have been moving so fast, though, that I know I can’t tell him—not unless I want to scare him off.

I shake my head as I grab my purse and head for the door. No,I’vealready fallen for him. I’m in love with Ryder Murray, and I have no idea where his head is at. Does he feel the same, or is this just some fun for him? The thought that he might not be as invested as I am makes my stomach twist with worry and doubt.

I need to talk to him before the party. We need to define whatever this is. I can’t go any further if I don’t know where we stand.

I lock up Wet and Wild and start heading towards Ryder’s place, my nerves on edge the entire way. The cool autumn air bites at my skin, but I barely feel it, lost in my own thoughts. I don’t want to have this conversation, but I know I need to. The last thing I want is to be vulnerable with someone who isn’t ready to give me their heart in return.

When I finally reach his house, my palms are sweating, and my heart is racing. I knock on the door, trying to calm myself down before I hyperventilate. Ryder opens the door almost immediately, a smile lighting up his face when he sees me.

“Hey,” he says softly, stepping aside to let me in. “You’re here early.”

“Yeah, I—” I pause, not sure how to start this. I wring my hands together, avoiding his gaze. “I need to talk to you about something before I head home to get ready for the party.”

Ryder’s smile falters, and I can see the confusion in his eyes. “What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

I take a deep breath, forcing myself to look at him. “I just... I need to know what this is. Between us.”

His brows furrow and he takes a step toward me, his hands hovering near mine like he wants to reach out but isn’t sure if he should. “Maple, what do you mean?”

“I mean...” I swallow hard, trying to get the words out. “I’ve been having a lot of feelings lately, and I just don’t want to get hurt. I can’t keep doing this with you. I need to know if this is serious for you or if it’s just... fun.”

Ryder blinks, his face falling slightly as he takes in my words. For a moment, he looks like I’ve punched him in the gut, and it only makes my heart race faster.God, what if he’s not as into me as I thought?

“Wait, are you... are you breaking up with me?” Ryder asks, his voice strained.

I blink, caught off guard. “What? No! I’m not breaking up with you. I just... I don’t even know if we’re together, Ryder. I don’t know what this is.”

His shoulders relax, and he lets out a breath, running a hand through his dark hair. “You scared the hell out of me,” he mutters, taking a step closer and grabbing my hands. “I thought you were about to tell me this was all over.”

My heart does a funny little flip, but I hold firm. “I’m not breaking up with you, but I need to know where we stand. Because I’m starting to catch real feelings for you, Ryder. Like,realfeelings. And I don’t want to get my heart broken.”

Ryder’s eyes soften, and he pulls me closer, his hands resting on my waist. “Maple, I’ve had real feelings for you since the day I met you.”

My breath catches in my throat as his words sink in. He stares down at me, his blue eyes so intense that I feel like I’m drowning in them.

“I love you,” he says, his voice low and steady. “I’ve always loved you, Maple. Since the first time I walked by your shop, I knew you were it for me. You’re the one I’ve been waiting for.”

I blink up at him, my heart pounding so loudly that I’m sure he can hear it. “You... you love me?”

He nods, his grip on me tightening. “I love you. I’ve been trying to tell you for weeks, but I didn’t want to scare you off. But I can’t keep it to myself anymore. I’m all in, Maple.”

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, and I let out a shaky laugh. “Oh my god. I love you too.”

The words come out in a rush, but they feel right. They feel true. I’ve been holding back, but now that they’re out there, I realize how much I’ve been wanting to say them.

Ryder’s face lights up, and before I can say anything else, he’s kissing me. His lips crash against mine, and I gasp, wrapping my arms around his neck as he pulls me flush against his body. The kiss is deep, hungry, and filled with all the emotion we’ve been holding back for so long.

He backs me up against the wall, his hands roaming over my body like he can’t get enough of me. I moan into his mouth, my fingers tangling in his hair as the heat between us intensifies.

“Wait,” he mutters against my lips, pulling back just enough to look at me. “I have something for you.”

I blink, dazed from the kiss. “What?”

He grins and steps back, heading toward the closet. He rummages around for a moment before pulling out a garment bag and holding it up with a proud smile.

“I bought this for tonight. I was planning on surprising you at the party.”

I raise an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. “What is it?”

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