Page 99 of The Pretender

“Are you saying... Wait, what are you saying?”

“I believe in these friends. I depend on them. I would give my life for them. Just them.”

“For them and no one else.” She visibly swallowed. “I get it.”

He could tell from the flatness in her eyes she didn’t. “From the minute I met you, maybe even before, I included you in that select group of people who mattered to me.”

“Why?”

“Really, Gabby?” It was tempting to read off a list of her qualities, but he didn’t know if mere words would convince her. “Youarespecial. You are a survivor. Loyal, smart, amazing, beautiful.”

She shook her head. “I don’t—”

“Believe me?” He stepped toward her and put a hand on the side of her face. Cupped her soft cheek in his palm. “Then believe this. You changed everything for me.”

The words were simple but he meant them. She’d walked into his life and flipped it upside down. He now wondered every day what she would think or say about certain things. They’d spent time together and he craved more.

He also needed to survive this conversation, so he pushed the elevator button again. “I love you and I will continue to love you.” When she frowned, he rushed to say one more thing. “Trust me, I didn’t see it coming either, but it’s true.”

The bell dinged again and this time he stepped inside. He walked to the back and leaned against the wall. He wasn’t sure how he’d stand up without the support.

Right as the doors closed, she turned sideways and slipped inside. She slammed the heel of her hand against the emergency stop. The elevator hung there, not moving. “That’s what you do? You say something like that and then run?”

His brain misfired. “I thought...”

He had no idea what was happening right now. Fire sparked in her eyes and her body vibrated with anger. She looked ready to hit him. He deserved it. He didn’t debate that, but he wasn’t sure what had set her off. One second she looked disinterested and the next she turned into this ball of energy aimed right for his head.

“You do not tell a woman you love her and then slink away.”

He knew his mouth had dropped open because he could feel it. “Okay.”

“I have spent three terrible weeks trying to hate you.” The pain slipped into her voice.

He didn’t understand what he was hearing. “And?”

“You’re here. In my head. I can hear your voice.” She walked toward him and didn’t stop until she stood between his legs. “I don’t like it.”

“Okay.” A repetitive answer but he really didn’t have anything else.

He feared moving or talking or ticking her off. Part of his brain skipped ahead. He had questions and needed clarification because it sounded like she wanted him to love her. But that couldn’t be right.

“Say something,” she demanded.

“You’re so hot I can barely breathe around you.” At least that was honest. Probably not the right timing, but he hoped he was close to what she wanted.

She rolled her eyes. “Okay, fine. That’s good to know, and very sweet.” She rested her hands against his chest. “And?”

“I will say whatever you want me to say.”Literally anything.

“No. Not this time. I can’t make this easy for you.” She shook her head but her hands didn’t move. “I need the truth. Only the truth.”

He could give her that. He wanted that more than anything.

His hand slipped over hers. He caressed her skin as warmth flowed through him for the first time in weeks. “I love you and I’m sorry I wasn’t honest from the beginning. I hate that I’ve given you any reason to doubt me, but I’ll win your trust if you give me a chance.”

“Good start.”

He half thought he was dreaming. “You’re forgiving me?”

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