Page 81 of Ignite

I loved how much they wanted to do for me.

I hated how Ethan knew me so well. I remembered the time he’d come to the workshop and how we’d gone through photos on my phone. We’d shared our first kiss.

“I’m overwhelmed.” I finally said when they all stopped speaking. “I don’t know what to say.”

They’d organized a surprise party but I couldn’t bring myself to celebrate. The photos were only possible because daddy wasn’t here. In each car, I’d used a new technique that he would never have approved of. The photos were a visceral reminder that my daddy had died and I’d moved on. My business would survive because I’d become as good as him.

The business had survived without him. The RFS and the Meringa Hawks would survive without him. Campbell was up in Darwin living his best life, without daddy.

I seemed to be the only person still living in the twilight of grief. When I stood, gaping at the photos and unable to share either my gratitude or grief, Ethan seemed to get the measure of my mood. “Thanks everyone for all your help. I’d have never been able to pull this off without you.”

He ushered them to the door. After he closed it behind them, I was still frozen in place. I could see all the photos, but I could see nothing but pain.

“You shouldn’t have,” I said as politely as I could. I wanted to scream at him, hurl the frames at him. I wanted to destroy everything in this workshop, and at the same time, smother him in kisses for his thoughtfulness. He’d pushed open a door I hadn’t been ready to even unlock. I didn’t want to punish the messenger, but … Ethan Cooper had become my whipping post for grief and I couldn’t stop now.

“Rylee?” Ethan tried to take my hand, but I pulled it away, crossing my arms over my chest. “I did this for you. I heard …”

“I’m almost as good as my father.” I took a step closer, comparing the jobs.

“Any customer can see that they can trust you with their car.”

“I don’t need him.” In saying the words, I was admitting the reasons for not printing out the photos myself, and all the reasons I was fighting so hard for the RFS.

Nothing had been logical, which was why my logical brain had been struggling to process. I didn’t want to see these photos until I was ready to accept daddy wasn’t coming back. I didn’t want to see my photos next to his until I was ready to emotionally be the only Rylee Mettner people looked to restore their car.

I didn’t want the RFS to be dismissed by any man I cared about because it would mean they were dismissing the first man who’d loved me and who’d helped me become the person I wanted to be.

“It doesn’t mean you don’t miss him.” Ethan stepped in front of me, suddenly understanding he’d overstepped. “I’m sorry. I thought I was doing something for you, not taking something from you.”

“I needed to be the one to do this.”

“I know. I’m so sorry. Do you want me to take them down?”

Until he’d offered, I’d wanted the photos removed and burned. But after he’d given me the option, I couldn’t do it. “No. But can you please go?”

After Ethan left, I locked up and dragged my father’s old rocking chair from the other room until I could curl up and see every photo on the wall.

I didn’t sleep and I didn’t cry.

I wasn’t angry or hurt.

I felt numb. I’d suddenly lost all feelings for Ethan—good and bad.

And I didn’t know if or when I’d get them back.

Ethan:Love is doing whatever is necessary for the person to see themselves through your eyes.

Ethan:I see you Rylee Mettner.

Ethan:I see you hurting and I want to hurt for you.

Ethan:I see you wanting to build your business in your image, but you’re scared of losing your father’s legacy.

Ethan:I’m so sorry that you’re hurting. I’m sorry I took away your journey.

Ethan:Can you please forgive me?

Rylee:IDK

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