Page 18 of Sunflowers and Surrender

“Sunny, I’m sorry.”

Tuesday

Here we go. This is where he lets me down gently.Well, too many days have passed for gentle.

“I shouldn’t have done that with Ainsley still in the picture. I never want you to be in the middle. I’m sorry I couldn’t control myself.”

And there it is. My head drops down to our hands as my stomach lurches.

“Please don’t take what I’m saying the wrong way. It wasn’t a mistake. I’ve wanted to kiss you for a long, loooong time. It’s just complicated. And I don’t cheat. You and your brother may think I’m some sort of player, but I’m not like that.”

My face snaps to his, and I have to admit, I believe I missed most of what he just said.

“Sunny?”

“You’ve wanted to kiss me?”

“Yes.” I feel another gentle squeeze from his hand. “But this isn’t smart. Your family means everything to me. And Ricky is like the brother I always wished I’d had. Beyond him thinking I’m not good enough for you, I don’t want to lose any of you if it doesn’t work out for us. And I have no experience with relationships, so the odds are goodagainstus not making it.”

What? He’s actually thought about this?“I guess none of this matters anyway. If you’re with Ains-”

“I broke up with her on the ship. That’s why we left early. I didn’t want her picking up on any interactions between you and me and connecting it to the break up. She’s a catty, spiteful girl who’ll only tear you down to gain attention masked as sympathy. You didn’t do anything. But I don’t want you caught in the crosshairs.”

Reflecting on his statement, I have to admit he’s right. She’s no stranger toReal Housewivesworthy drama at the rescue squad. There have been more than a few girls who’ve quit over her behavior. I don’t know why people tolerate her. But I guess there are mean girls everywhere. I’ve just been oblivious because I don’t hang with that crowd. I guess that’s one thing I can thank my overprotective family for.

We pull into the rescue squad parking lot, and I try to refocus on the task at hand. I have a responsibility to do my job, and I’m already late. “Thank you. Will you let me know where my car ends up so I can contact them about the repairs?”

“Sunny, wait.”

“I have to go. Thank you for telling me everything.” While I’m relieved I wasn’t rejected after all, it does little to change the fact he doesn’t want to pursue anything with me because of my family. I can’t allow myself to swoon over any feelings he may or may not have for me if they aren’t strong enough to force his hand.

“I’ll be back after I drop your car off.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“Yes, I do. Your brother would kill me if I didn’t look out for you.”

I can’t help but wince.

“Sunny.” He grabs my hand again. “I’m sorry. I’ve hidden behind your brother for so long it’s almost a habit to say that. Iwantto help you. I’ll be back in a little while.”

“But why? I’m on duty until six in the morning.”

“I’m not leaving you here without a way home. And if a call for a tow comes in, I can respond from here as well as anywhere else. Heck, I’ll be an ambulance chaser. If you respond on a call where someone needs me, give them my card.” He winks again.

Stop that.You aren’t helping my situation with that panty-melting wink. “Be careful. I’ll see you later.”

Tuesday

“Good grief.I hope it slows down soon,” Hudson bellows. “This is exhausting. I’m glad enough of us were available tonight to staff three ambulances so we can take turns.”

“Maybe now that it’s gotten late, people will use some common sense and stay home,” Max adds.

“Common sense? What’s that?” A familiar voice interjects.

“Alex,” Max and Hudson greet simultaneously, holding out their hands to shake.

“Come to join us?” Allison asks, twisting her hair around her forefinger playfully.

---