Page 50 of Espresso Your Love

“We heard she was in charge and were gonna ask permission but when the band stopped playing, we thought no one would mind,” the kid explains as he shrugs.

Ryan sighs, and I feel his body relax beneath my grip.

“Next time, ask for permission. You all caused a ruckus and scared the people here,” Gabe says.

“Yes, sir,” they all reply.

“Now, go enjoy the festival, and stay out of trouble,” Ryan tells them.

“Good job, Hayes,” Ethan says. Gabe and James nod, and they all walk away.

Ryan turns around to me and grabs my arms. “Cassie, are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine. Are you?”

He shakes his head and looks down. “I should’ve been there.”

“You were there.”

He looks up at me. “But what if they really were dangerous? What if something happened?”

“But it didn’t.”

“Why didn’t you answer your radio? We tried calling you.”

I grab the radio that’s clipped to my jeans. “I didn’t get anything.” I push a few buttons, but nothing happens. “It must have died. I’ll have Millie get me a new one right now.”

He runs his hand through his hair and shuffles his feet.

“I’m fine. You made sure I was okay. You protected me,” I tell him firmly, trying to ease his worries.

“But what if I didn’t?” he says.

“Ryan, you can't live in ‘what ifs.’ Did you do what you were trained to do?”

“Yes.” But he doesn’t look convinced. Worry is etched on his face, probably running through every possible scenario that could have gone wrong.

“Ryan.” I grab him and turn him to me. “You can’t control everything. This happened under my watch, too. I’m in charge of this event, but unexpected things happen. We just have to move on.”

“I just…” He looks down at his boots.

“You just what?” I squeeze his arm, encouraging him to finish his thought.

He looks up at me now, something vulnerable in his eyes. “I just don’t want anything bad happening to you.”

Here is a tough, caring man standing before me. A man who practically sprinted across the festival because he thought I was in danger. A man who did everything he knew to do, and yet, he’s wishing he could’ve done something sooner.

How is this man not snatched up already?

“Well, Ryan Hayes, I can’t guarantee that nothing bad will ever happen to me, but I do appreciate your concern.” His eyes are still filled with worry. “I really am fine. More than fine. I got to see you in action.” I nudge his arm trying to lighten the mood, but it’s not working. “Ryan?”

“I’m glad you’re okay.” He smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “I, uh, gotta check in with Ethan. I’ll see you later?”

“Sure, come find me.”

I watch him as he walks away, Max trailing next to him as he disappears into the crowd.

I understand him being concerned for my safety. And from his point of view, it probably seemed way more serious than it really was. But I feel like there’s more he didn’t say.

---