Page 32 of Faking it with My Boss' Son

As we sat down and ordered, I looked up at Ryan. “Why did you invite me out to dinner unexpectedly? Is everything okay? Is your dad okay?

“Yes, Michelle. I just wanted to do something spontaneous. I miss hanging out with you and having dinner together.” He said with sadness in his voice. “I have been thinking a lot about us over the past few weeks since I moved back to Hidden Hills. I can’t believe my ploy of fake girlfriend damaged our friendship.”

“I know that wasn't your intention, but I just couldn't go along with it anymore. I didn’t mean for our friendship to change when I moved to my new place, but life has just gotten in the way.” I said as I took a bite of food.

We continued talking about our weeks. We also enjoyed listening to the band play and watching everyone dance. We finished our meals and the waiter took our plates. ‘‘Michelle, do you want to dance? Who knows when we’ll get to dance together again?’’ Ryan asked; the corner of his lips lowered.

‘‘Sure, Ryan. Let’s go.’’ I put on a brave face and stood up and grabbed his hand to lead him to the dance floor.

We had a great time, spinning around on the dance floor and I finally got a smile out of Ryan.

As we pulled up to my apartment, Ryan asked if he could come in. “Of course you can. Let’s have some coffee to end the night.” I said as we got out of the car and walked to my apartment.

Chapter sixteen

Ryan

“Michelle…” I started.

“Yeah…” She whispered nervously.

“Can we talk?” I pleaded. We sat down on the couch, and I asked her, “Do you really not want to be around me anymore? I frowned, grabbing her hand.

‘‘I uhh… well…’’ Michelle pulled away her hand.

I pulled her closer to me and held her in my arms. She blushed and looked all the more stunning. ‘‘Is there something I can do to make you change your mind?” I looked into her eyes, and she lowered her gaze.

I touched her soft cheeks. She was still silent, not answering me. I held her hand tightly in mine.

‘‘You’ve left me with no other option, Ryan. I can’t be around you and hear you talk about finding your soulmate.’’ She said, looking down.

‘‘What? That is why you have been avoiding me lately?” I asked, confused.

“It is. I’ve become miserable here knowing I can’t be with you… that you don’t feel the same way I do.”

“And in what way is that? How do you feel about me?” I stammered with confusion.

“I care about you… so much. And in more than just a friendship way.” She said with tears filling her eyes. “Ever since your dad's birthday party, I knew that I wanted to be more than just friends.”

“Really, Michelle? Why haven’t you told me this before now?’’ I said, my heart filling with joy.

‘‘I didn't want to ruin our friendship, but it, in turn, damaged our friendship that I didn’t tell you.” She said, shaking her head.

“Well, I care about you too, Michelle.” I grabbed her hands and moved closer to her on the couch. “Ever since you moved out, I couldn’t stop thinking about how much I missed you.” I smiled and raised my eyebrows. “Spending so much time with you, going to eat crab legs, going to your work, drinking coffee on the patio, I never wanted that to end.”

“Me neither Ryan. I am so glad that you feel the same way!” She said with the cutest smile on her face.

“I want to ask you something, Michelle.” I said with a serious look on my face. “Will you be my real girlfriend?” Then I smiled to calm her nerves.

‘‘Ryan…’’ Michelle opened her eyes wide, and her jaw dropped.

I placed my fingers on her mouth and silenced her. ‘‘Michelle, I’ve been foolish. I love you, and it took almost losing you to realize that.’’

With the tears that shimmered in her eyes like the crystal-clear blue water of the ocean and the beautiful smile, she nodded yes.

I kissed her forehead and kneeled beside her. ‘‘I’ve been so out of it that I’ve fallen off with my training for soccer so I might need you to become my running buddy.’’ Ryan joked.

Michelle beamed and wiped her tears, ‘‘What if I beat you?’’

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