Chapter 11
Chapter Eleven
F or several minutes, the only sound in the room was Sparky’s snoring and Mr. Harrison’s soft breathing. Brielle was struggling to get herself to look at Ryan.
After accepting his invitation to dinner, her mind immediately began second guessing itself. He’d said several things today that she wasn’t sure how to handle, and in front of Mr. Harrison!
“Brielle,” Ryan whispered. “What’s wrong?”
She pinched her lips between her teeth and pointed to the kitchen. Walking toward the other room where they wouldn’t disturb Mr. Harrison, Brielle folded her arms around her stomach, trying to ease the fluttering there. Actually…right now it was a flutter mixed with nausea. What was she thinking? She’d already put herself at his mercy when they were younger. Why was she risking it again?
Yes, she’d gone to lunch with him, but it had been a business meeting, or at least just a sort of friend meeting. But to actually ask her out on a date? Like a real date?
She didn’t know what to do with this. Did he know that she liked him? Did he feel the same? Had his opinion changed since they were younger? She still didn’t look like Aurora or the other cheerleader type girls, and she never would. Did that not matter now? Of course, she was supposed to be letting their past behavior go, but how could she ignore that? How could forget how much it hurt? Maybe this was this all a big joke because they’d been having fun with Mr. Harrison.
“I can hear you thinking from clear over here,” Ryan said, leaning his shoulder against the kitchen door frame. “Is it really that bad to go to dinner with me?”
Brielle spun, her mouth opening with a smart remark, only to close on the words. She was growing tired of fighting with Ryan. Of fighting with anyone. She wasn’t even thirty yet, for goodness sake…she wasn’t supposed to be this tired of life.
She rubbed her forehead. “It’s not that,” she hedged.
“Then what is it?” His footsteps were soft, but Brielle could feel him coming closer to her.
She looked up before he got too close. “I don’t know what’s teasing and what’s not,” she admitted with a shrug. “Were you asking me to dinner because you were joking with Mr. H? Or because you actually want to?”
Ryan’s eyebrows shot up, and he took a few steps closer. “That’s a pretty blunt question, Brielle.”
“Yeah, well, I was never very good at being politically correct.” She cleared her throat and looked away, only to whip her head back around when Ryan got close enough to brush a chunk of hair from her forehead. The feel of his fingers on her skin was like lighting a fire, and her cheeks must be bright red…again.
“I’ve never complained about it,” he said in a low tone.
You might be the only one. Brielle tried to make sure her face didn’t give away her thoughts. “You didn’t answer the question.”
One side of his mouth pulled up, and the fluttering overtook the nausea. “Okay. Let’s lay it all on the table.”
A shiver rocked through her. This was it. This was where he admitted it was a joke, that he still preferred women like Aurora and that he thought she was fun, but was definitely not worth his notice otherwise.
She closed her eyes, unable to look at him while he handed her exactly what her mother and sister had been telling her her whole life…until his warm fingers came under her chin, bringing up her face.
“Brielle,” he said softly. “Look at me.”
She didn’t know how to do this. Why did it hurt so bad? How could her feelings for Ryan be this strong already?
“Come on,” he said in a low, persuasive tone. “Where’s my brave girl?”
Her eyes flew open at those words. His eyes were soft, and his fingers were absolutely wreaking havoc with her heart as he caressed her jawline.
“There she is,” he answered his own question. “Brielle…” The tension that always seemed to choke her was swirling through every nerve ending in Brielle’s body. “I want to go to dinner with you because I find you to be amazing.”
Her breath rushed in on a whoosh, and her knees begin to buckle.
Ryan must have felt it because he stepped forward, quickly wrapping an arm around her waist.
Her hands landed on his chest. She should stand on her own two feet. She was too heavy for anyone to hold up, but she couldn’t quite catch her equilibrium.
“You’re strong and independent, but you’re also sweet and loyal and caring.” He smiled, which did not help her knee situation at all. “I was trying to ask you out when we went to lunch after the biopsy. I was a little worried you'd turn me down, so I used Sparky’s appointment as an excuse.” He chuckled when she still didn’t speak. “I’m not sure I’ve ever seen you speechless.”
Brielle blinked and forced motion back into her limbs. “I…” She locked her knees pulling back from him just far enough to be able to think clearly. “I don’t know what to say to that.”
His smile grew. Hopefully her legs wouldn’t let her down again. “I’ll take that as a good sign.”
She scowled, and his chuckle grew louder. But when his eyes went to her hair and he began to play with the loose curls, her brain joined her legs in outer space.
“So, whattya say? Will you take a chance on a real date with me? Now that Mr. Harrison isn’t here to bully you into it.” His hazel eyes dropped to hers while his fingers still tangled in her hair. “Though, I gotta admit. The guy is awesome. I really wish I’d known him when we were younger. But still, I promise to be on my best behavior.”
She blinked several times, his little speech finally giving her something to work with and the snarky side of her brain took over. “What if I don’t want your best behavior?”
Ryan’s eyes flared, and his grin almost split his face before he groaned and dropped his forehead to hers.
Brielle could barely breathe. Their kiss from high school kept flashing through her head. Would it be as good as she’d hyped in her memory? His mouth was so close, and his chest was pushing against hers as he took in deep breaths.
“You’re gonna kill me before I get the chance to pay for dinner,” he muttered.
Her skin pulled against his as she frowned. “Sorry?” She’d been trying to flirt, but apparently she was terrible at it and her stomach dropped.
Ryan closed his eyes and laughed softly, a deep and thrilling sound. “You’re not asking the right question.”
She gripped his shirt in her hands as hope flared hot and bright. “What’s the right question?”
“You’re supposed to ask, why would that kill you?”
Brielle swallowed hard, feeling positive this question was going to be a turning point in their relationship and it made her wary as well as eager. “Okay…why would that kill you?”
His hand tightened in her hair, coming around to cup the back of her head, and she was no match for what was happening. It didn’t matter what he asked of her, she’d be willing to give it to him. In this exact moment, she was utterly and completely under his spell .
“Because I might die from spontaneous combustion by not kissing you before taking you out on an actual date.” He took a long breath in through his nose and straightened, putting a little distance between them.
Brielle’s eyes fluttered closed when his lips landed on her forehead. It wasn’t soft and fluttery like she would have expected, instead his lips were firm and stayed on her skin for several long seconds. The tension she could feel in his arms told her he was having a hard time staying under control, and the power of that thought sent a thrill straight to her toes.
When he stepped back, Brielle felt like a child whose favorite blanket had just been yanked out from under her. She shivered and had to relock her knees again.
“I’m gonna go,” Ryan said, slowly walking backward. “Before I do something I won’t regret at all, but that might start us off on the wrong foot.”
Brielle watched, unable to stop him, but also unable to ask for more.
“Friday. Six.” He smiled. “I’ll pick you up.”
The door was closing before Brielle could register everything that had just happened, and the lock on her knees finally gave way. Sliding to the floor, she shuddered for several moments as the adrenaline and tension worked its way out of her system.
She had a date. With Ryan Thatcher. Ryan. Thatcher.
He was attracted to her. Not Aurora. Not some blonde bombshell. Her. Brielle Underwood. Dog mama and fierce athlete.
“If he didn’t kiss you, I’m gonna punch his nose next time I see him!” Mr. Harrison’s weak shout brought Brielle out of her frozen state, and she jumped to her shaky feet.
“Do you really think I’d let him kiss me while I’m working?” she shot back, grimacing when her voice cracked.
“Get back in here and tell me everything.”
Brielle walked back and gave her friend’s father the evil eye. “That sounds like something an old gossipy woman would say. ”
Mr. Harrison shrugged. “I grew up with four Italian aunts. Humor me.”
Brielle smiled and sat down in the recliner Ryan had vacated, imagining she could feel his warmth still on the fabric. “There’s nothing to tell,” she teased, enjoying Mr. Harrison’s groan. “But I’d love to tell you about my ragnar team. We have a race coming up, and this time…we might actually have a chance at winning.”
Ryan glared at himself in the rearview mirror. “Why are you such an idiot?” While an answer from his reflection probably would have been helpful, the fact that he was talking to himself made Ryan more frustrated than he currently was. “One date. Just one date, and you’re on the verge of blowing it.”
He was going to be late.
He’d gotten out of the office later than normal because of an emergency. Then he’d definitely needed a shower and his favorite dress shirt was in the laundry, so he had to find something clean to wear. When he’d tried to walk out the door, he’d caught himself in the window and realized his hair looked like he’d run his hands through it fifteen too many times.
The list went on and on and now he was speeding on the highway between their little towns, desperately hoping that Brielle would still answer when he knocked.
“Probably should have sent her a text,” he muttered. He forced himself to slow down as he went through the main part of town, knowing that too many people walked the streets for him to go whipping through at high speed.
Finally, finally, after what felt like an eternity he pulled into her little driveway and jerked to a stop. Ryan was out the door before the engine recognized it had been shut off and he ran up the short steps. You’re gonna sweat through your shirt, and that’ll make an even better impression .
He growled under his breath at the cynical voice in his head, but ultimately shoved it aside. Yeah…he probably needed to get a hold of himself or this was gonna be worse than him just being late. His knock was a little more forceful than he meant for it to be, and Ryan winced, bringing his fist to his side and wishing he had the power to drain the adrenaline from his system. It was making his nerves jump and his muscles twitch.
The door opened hesitantly, then faster when Brielle’s head came around the edge. “Ryan! I?—”
“I know I’m late. I’m so sorry,” he interrupted. “I…” Closing his eyes, he hung his head and gave himself a shake before looking her in the eye again. “Let me try this again.” Ryan straightened his back and gave her what he hoped was a flirty smile. “I apologize for my tardiness. Work ran longer than normal. But if you’re willing, I’d still like to take you to dinner even though we probably missed our reservation.”
She narrowed her eyes, but Ryan didn’t miss how her lips twitched, and relief coursed through him.
“Starting again means talking like we’re from old time England? Really?”
Ryan’s shoulders relaxed. “If that’s what it takes.”
She put her hands on her hips.
“In favor of starting over, you should know that you’ve never looked more beautiful.” Geez, she had to be trying to kill him.
He was trying to take things slow, earn her trust, and yeah, okay, he was totally using their chemistry to his advantage, but he still wanted to give Brielle the power in how fast they took things.
But right now, with her in a flowy dress that landed just above her knees, skimming all her enticing curves and her hair flowing behind her like some fairy in a book, Ryan wanted to drop to his knees and beg her to let him in.
She was utterly stunning.
There was no other word for it. No one else had ever compared to her…at least not for him. She was strong but feminine, fierce bu t kind, commanding but loyal. His wildest dreams would never have created something so perfect, and she was right in front of him, waiting for him to take her to dinner.
Brielle’s mouth flopped open and closed a couple of times, her cheeks bright red.
Taking advantage of her speechless state, Ryan stepped over the threshold, crowding into her personal space. He brought one hand up, ready to touch that heated skin and absorb its warmth when another voice came through the doorway behind him.
“Oh my gosh, it is you!”
“Oof.” Ryan was enveloped in a tight hug around his chest and he cringed, not knowing who was behind him. “What the—?” He tried to look over his shoulder, but all he saw was a bundle of blonde hair. Turning to Brielle, he gave her a questioning look, but she had stepped back, her face pale and shut down.
Ryan was really starting to hate that look. It meant she was pulling away from him. But why? Who the heck was this? “Excuse me?” He twisted again before the woman let go and came sidling around to his front.
“Ryan Thatcher! I knew that was you.” Aurora Underwood gave him a flirty smile and playfully smacked his chest. “What in the world are you doing here?” Aurora looked back at Brielle, then him again, her eyes wide and a soft smile on her face.
“Hey, Aurora.” Ryan stepped back, his skin itching a little from her familiarity. They’d hung out a little in high school, so it was nice to see her, but tonight he’d had plans and she was disrupting them. “I just came for?—”
“Wait.” Aurora put her fingers over her mouth in a perfect look of surprise. “Did I interrupt something?” She looked back at Brielle, and her face dropped into a pout.
Ryan frowned. Why did this feel off?
“Oh, Brielle,” Aurora gushed. “You should have told me!”
“Why are you here?” Brielle asked, her voice devoid of all emotion .
Aurora threw her hair over her shoulder. “I was worried about you. You haven’t been answering any of your texts lately, and I know Dad said you’re too busy training, but really, Brielle. You can’t even answer your sister?”
Yeah…Ryan took another step back. This wasn’t something he wanted or needed to be a part of. But did he push for the date? Or leave the sisters to work things out?
Brielle’s eyes snapped to his at the movement, and her jaw clenched. But Ryan wasn’t sure what she was trying to convey.
“But you know what?” Aurora danced behind Brielle and began pushing her toward the door. “I wouldn’t dream of coming between your little reunion.”
When Brielle was only a foot or two away from Ryan, Aurora stopped pushing and popped her head out to the side. “I mean, it’s not often that Brielle dresses up like this. And an old friend isn’t gonna care if she’s not the same size as high school, right?”
Ryan’s frown deepened, but Brielle wasn’t saying anything. From his point of view, Aurora was smacking Brielle with backhanded insults, but the feisty, take-no-prisoners Brielle was nowhere to be found.
“Go on,” Aurora urged. “Brielle hasn’t been on a date for so long, so this will be a great refresher for her.”
Ryan started to reach for Brielle’s hand, but she stepped back, knocking Aurora out of the way.
“Actually, he was just stopping to ask about Sparky,” Brielle said woodenly, her eyes not meeting his.
Ryan’s heart dropped. No.
“We weren’t going on a date.”
He closed his eyes, trying to figure out if he should push or let it go. What was the right move? “Brielle,” he began, pleading with his eyes for her to come back.
“Oh!” Aurora chirped, then she smiled and laughed. “I’m sorry. I just assumed.” Shaking her head and shrugging her shoulders, Aurora turned to Ryan. “And here I thought someone was finally paying attention to her.”
“Aurora,” Brielle hissed, stepping back even farther.
Aurora ignored her sister and stepped up to Ryan. “Well, now that I know you’re back in town, maybe we could meet up sometime?”
Ryan looked at Brielle, but she stood with clenched fists and her face turned to the side. She was angry, but at who? Him or Aurora? And why wasn’t she standing up for herself? He didn’t remember them being at odds like this when they were younger.
When Brielle continued to refuse to respond, Ryan decided it might be best for him to let things go. Maybe it was better to live to fight another day.
“Yeah…maybe,” he muttered, knowing full well he’d never call Aurora for a meet up. Not only was his heart already engaged to another, but Aurora was just another poster child for the exact type of woman he was trying to get away from.
Brielle sniffed, and her fists began to shake. “I need to check on Sparky.” Without another word, she spun on her heel and marched away.
“Oh…” Aurora watched her sister go with a pout. “That dog. She always did have weird taste in friends.”
“Tell Brielle I’ll call her later,” Ryan said, walking back toward his car.
“Will do! Thanks for stopping by. That was really nice of you!”
He didn’t turn. There was no point. Brielle had already left. Instead, he got in his car and drove home, going much slower than he had on his way there, his mind on everything but the road.
Maybe he needed to back off. Had he pushed too hard?
“ARGH!” he bellowed, smacking the steering wheel. “Why is it all so complicated?” Life was kicking his butt right now, and Ryan was close to letting go. Why fight for a woman if she wasn’t willing to fight for him? Instead, she’d shut down, broken their date, and left him on his own.
Why was she so hot and cold? Ryan had kept going despite her struggles because he saw their potential, but now…was it worth it? Could he keep pushing if she kept walking away? And why did it matter if Aurora knew they were going on a date?
He sighed and slumped in his seat. Something was wrong. But if no one would tell him what it was, how was he supposed to know how to proceed?
His stomach grumbled, and Ryan ignored it. The thought of food made him nauseous. Maybe this was a chance for him to go to bed early. He always seemed to be tired anyway, but this thing with Brielle was taking way more of his mental energy than he ever would have expected.
Taking a deep breath, he got out of the car and walked inside, feeling numb. No women, no food, no kisses…tonight it was going to be just him and his pillow and hopefully a peaceful sleep.