Page 46 of I Did Before I Do

There was so much wrong with that.

I wasn’t that person. I didn’t get drunk when I was hurting. I didn’t shut myself off from the world and ignore my problems.

At least, I hadn’t been that person, once. Everything that had happened with Mark had changed me, and Ryker was just making it worse.

A lonely, alcoholic, miserable virgin. That was the direction my life was going.

I drove home. The commute was so familiar now that it barely registered until I was on my street, where I almost drove past my own condo.

Because there was a car in the driveway—Ryker’s car.

Dammit.

I sighed heavily and turned into my driveway. Ryker was sitting in his driver’s seat, watching me.

I could already see the enormous bouquet of flowers in the passenger seat.

I hated the way it made my heart flutter.

For a moment, I sat in my car, just breathing. I didn’t want to talk to him. I didn’t want to do this. But he was here. And there was something small, something deep down inside me, that wanted to hear what he had to say.

It’s just gonna be a bunch of lies. He’s made up some bullshit story to cover for himself because he wants to be your first.

I sighed.

Even if that’s all it was—more lies, more excuses—I should at least let him say whatever he felt like he needed to say.

I got out of my car.

He opened his door. “Sydney—”

“No. Wait.” I held my hand up. “Inside. I’m not doing this in the driveway.”

“Okay.” He nodded, ducking back into his car. He grabbed the flowers and a bag.

He’d brought dinner.

My heart fluttered against my will.

No, I was not going to give in this easily.

I unlocked my front door and held it open. Ryker came in and set the bouquet of flowers on the dining table next to the other. It was a beautiful arrangement, done in pale pinks and purples and white.

He was really trying to apologize, and it was starting to work.

“Sydney.” He turned to me but didn’t move to touch me. He held his hands out at his sides, plaintive. “I’m sorry.”

“Okay.” I tossed my purse on the table and stepped out of my heels.

“Please, just hear me out?”

I sighed and looked back at him. “All right. Fine.”

“Okay.” He nodded. “I know that girl. Emily. She’s a regular at the shop. Yes, I’ve hooked up with her before, but not recently.” He sighed, lifting one hand to rub his forehead. “She came over to our table. Me and the guys were talking about the shop expanding, and she just kinda latched on to me.”

Right. Of course. He hadn’t invited anything like that at all. I crossed my arms, looking at him.

He looked at me, frowning. “She was wasted, Sydney. I wasn’t going to take her home. Or let anybody else take her home. I know I have a reputation that I’m sure Kenzie’s told you all about, but I’m not total garbage.”

---