Dare You To (Pushing the Limits, #2)(114)

“I already said you aren’t running.” Ryan’s light brown eyes      bore into mine. “From the moment I began to care for you, I’ve always felt like      you were slipping away. Sometimes when you kiss me I feel like you’re saying      goodbye. I kept telling myself that was in my head. That you’re scared to love      me so you retreat. It’s more than that, isn’t it? Scott won’t let you near your      mom so you’re planning to run away with her.”

Ten minutes ago, I wanted nothing more than his body close      to mine. Now his closeness is too much. I need space and I can’t move.

His fingers press tight into my skin. “When?”

My mouth becomes dry and I stare at the floor. This isn’t      how tonight was supposed to go. Ryan raises his voice and yells, “When?!”

I don’t want to lie to him. “Soon.”

Ryan moves his hands off my hips and curls me into his body.      A body that a few seconds before stood solid in anger. My heart breaks from the      desperation of his defeat. His forehead rests against mine and his hand grips my      hair. “Stay, Beth.”

I close my eyes and wrap myself around him. I’m going to      miss this: Ryan’s strength, his warmth, his love. “I love you, Ryan,” I whisper,      half hoping he doesn’t hear it. Why does everything hurt so damn bad?

His body stiffens and my heart stops. Maybe he did hear me.      Ryan places his hands on my shoulders and gently pushes my body from his. His      eyes dart over my face. “I don’t lose. Do you hear me? I don’t lose and that      includes losing you. I’m done being kept in the dark. I’m done feeling like      you’re slipping right past me. You are not saying goodbye to me. I’m in love      with you and you love me back. You’re staying.”

Ryan says it as if it’s an easy decision. Like I could      forsake my responsibilities. Like these chains that have been strangling me for      years can easily be cast off. “I can’t.”

The anger and confusion drains from his face and the calm      and control I’ve only seen while he’s on the pitcher’s mound take command. “I      won’t let you go.”

I blink. As if he could stop me. “You won’t let me go.”

“No, I won’t let you go. You’re mine and I don’t lose.” He      rests his hands on his hips and I see the same cockiness from Taco Bell, as if      telling me to leave my mother to die is no different than asking for my phone      number.

“This isn’t a game to be won or lost. There are things in my      life that were set in motion before I took my first breath. I don’t have a      choice in this.”

“That’s bullshit. Everyone has choices and I’ve made mine.      There is no way you’re leaving.”

He’s so confident that part of me believes him. “I’m      not?”

“Nope. Three months ago you had no roots here, but now,      you’ve got them.”

“Roots.”

“Roots,” he repeats. “You’re on the homecoming court and      starting to do well at school. My friends love you. You’re closer to Scott. You      have a best friend in Lacy.”

My mind races and so does my breathing. I made a life      here—in Groveton. A life I enjoy. A life I could keep. Ryan draws me into him.      He lowers his head as his fingers leave a burning path across my cheek. “You      have me.”

The pure emotion in his voice causes me to shiver. I could      try to build a wall, but the intensity of his gaze tells me he’d see through      anything. The seconds stretch between us. His lips come dangerously close to      mine, yet he keeps them away. With his hand warm on my face, his nose skims my      jawline and I try to inhale to steady my pulse.

Ryan tugs at the loops on my jeans and guides me back onto      the bed. Taking my hand, he urges me to stretch out beside him. His jeans hang      right along his hip bones and I swallow.

I’m in love with him. Tonight I was going to give him a      memory of me. I found the confidence and I was in control. My heart stutters. I      lost my control. I lost my confidence. My hand shakes as I touch his bare      chest.

“I want you to trust me.” Ryan brushes his hand down my arm      and I tremble. The signals he sends are unmistakable. There are times when you      stand on the cusp of moments so huge, you know you’ll remember them forever.      This is that moment for me and for Ryan. I’m not seducing him. He’s not seducing      me. Instead, we’re choosing to be together.