Bittersweet Memories (Off-Limits #4)(77)

“Monitoring these computers is tedious as hell,” Josh complains, and I snap out of my daydreams as I look back at my screen.

When we were first assigned this project, I thought it’d be far more exciting than it is. I feel like a cop on a stakeout, just waiting for something interesting to happen. We’re assessing our algorithm to see what it’s flagging, and more importantly, what it’s missing, but it’s a really boring and lengthy process.

“Alanna?”

I freeze at the sound of Ryan’s voice. He’s been calling and texting me non-stop, and even though I said I’d give him a chance to be friends again, I’ve been avoiding him. Every time I want to reply to one of his messages, I’m reminded of the way Silas looked at me when he told me to stay away from Ryan. His words were harsh, but there was something in his eyes that had my heart aching.

“Ryan,” I mutter, forcing a smile to my face.

“Are you free for lunch?” he asks hesitantly.

I glance at Josh nervously, scared he’s going to accuse me of nepotism again, but much to my surprise, he simply nods. “You might as well go. I haven’t seen you take a lunch break in weeks. You can’t always eat at your desk. Bring me back something, though.”

I nod, unsure if I’m grateful or not. I don’t really want to go with Ryan, and part of me was hoping that Josh would provide me with an excuse.

I sigh as I grab my handbag and follow Ryan out. “Where are we going?” I ask, oddly nervous. I only told him that we could try to be friends again to alleviate the guilt I feel, but I’m worried about Silas. I’m worried he’ll be hurt or angry if he hears about this. I shouldn’t care at all, but I can’t help myself.

Ryan reaches for my hand, and I pull away, moving my free hand to the straps of my handbag instead. His smile drops for a second, but he shakes it off quickly. “There’s a nice little sandwich shop one block away. I think you’ll really like it. They do some cool latte art.”

Damn it. I’m a sucker for latte art, and he knows it. “Sounds good,” I mutter.

He glances at me as though he’s trying to find the right words to say to me, the tension between us awkward for both of us. I shouldn’t have agreed to come with him at all, but I wasn’t sure how to decline without making a scene. My colleagues already gossip enough about me as it is.

By the time we sit down, I’m anxious. Ryan might have fucked up, but I slept with his brother in retaliation. I’m terrified of him finding out, and shame uncurls in my stomach, making me feel sick. I feel guilty toward Ryan, and I’m worried about hurting Silas. No matter what I do, I’ll be in the wrong.

“I’m sorry, Alanna,” he says the moment our order is placed. “You said we could try to be friends again, but we can’t do that with so much left unsaid between us. I can’t undo the pain my words caused, but I can tell you I didn’t mean what I said. I was drunk, and I was trying to look cool in front of my friends. It’s fucking lame, and I know it. It’s no excuse.”

I look into his eyes, trying to determine whether the anguish in them is genuine or not. “Did you approach me because you thought I’d help you improve your image in your family’s eyes?”

He closes his eyes and nods. “I did, but if that’s the only reason I dated you, why would I have stuck around for so long? I only did that because I fell in love with you. By the time I said those stupid words, my brother had already given me everything I’d asked him for. He’d given me the cars I wanted and access to pretty much unlimited funds. There was no reason for me to keep you around, but I did. I admit that I’m a complete asshole who set out to use you, but I never even considered treating you badly, and every moment I’ve shared with you is precious to me. I know that it’s hard to believe, but surely you felt it too? When we were together, there was nothing fake about it. What we had was real, and now that I’ve lost you, I feel it all the more. I’m not myself without you, Alanna. Being with you changed me for the better, and I can’t see a life without you anymore.”

My heart aches over everything we’ve lost, everything I thought we had. “I don’t believe you,” I whisper. “And I don’t trust you.”

“I know,” he murmurs. “I’m not asking you to forgive me, because it’s clear that I’ve really hurt you. I always knew I couldn’t outrun the truth, and I’m willing to accept the consequences. If I have to start back at square one, I will. Just please don’t ask me to give up on you entirely, because I can’t do that.”

The waitress smiles at me as she places our order on the table, and I welcome the interruption. I don’t know what to say to him. I didn’t expect him to be so honest and apologetic. I thought he’d make excuses and weave more elaborate lies. Instead, he’s owning up to everything he’s done.

I place my fork down halfway through our meal and shake my head. “You set out to use me, Ryan. You aren’t the person I thought you were. It’s terrifying to me that we spent so much time together, yet I don’t even really know you. I only know the person you pretended to be. Can’t you see how crazy that is?”

He nods. “That’s exactly why I’m asking you to give me a chance. I’m in love with you, Alanna. It’s the kind of love I can’t forget about and it isn’t something I can walk away from. Let’s get to know each other all over again. Please?”