Jen_C’s Reviews > The Return > Status Update

“I want this. All of this. I haven’t had it in a really long time. You’re not pressuring me into anything.” He paused, a little hesitant about saying something so vulnerable. But he said it anyway. “Everything that comes with you, sweetheart, is a gift.”

“Well, I’m saying now. I’m not going anywhere. I’m not leaving you. Not again.” He was so nervous now he wanted to grab her, hold her so she couldn’t get away. He managed to resist the impulse and said gruffly, “I thought... I told you I love you. I meant it.” “I know you did. But you’re acting like that means everything is all settled between us. All questions answered.”

“We’re supposed to be friends. And friends don’t kiss when they say goodbye.” “Friends also don’t f@#k each other up against wet paint on a wall, but we sure did that a little while ago.” She made a sound like a snicker, her dark eyes spilling over with warmth. “That was an accident.” “Was it?” “Yes. So you can do something about that look in your eyes.”

All he wanted to do was bury himself in her warmth and sweetness—preferably for the rest of her life—and she wanted to let it rest. The part of him that resented this—that was angry about her pushing him away after what they’d shared on Saturday afternoon—was constantly drowned out by the realistic side of him that kept reminding him this was all his own fault.

“That’s not even remotely fair. You’re the one who left me.”
“I know. I left. But I never really left you behind.” He wasn’t looking at her. He was staring into the distance, looking very far away. “You were always right there. With me. No matter where I went. I could never run far enough to get away from you.”

What the hell was she supposed to do? She and Jacob weren’t close anymore. He’d hurt her more than anyone else ever had. But Mr. Worth clearly felt guilty about something connected to Jacob, and Ria couldn’t help but wonder what it was. Plus she hated the thought of Jacob being unhappy.

“I promise I won’t yell at you again, so you don’t have to look like I’m leading you to the gallows.” She smiled, obviously trying to lighten the mood. He forced a smile in return. He wasn’t afraid that she was going to yell at him. He actually wouldn’t mind if she did. At least that would prove that he meant something to her. The thing that would hurt the worst was indifference.

Eight years. And he could still remember everything he’d felt for her back then. All of it. In all the same intensity. Like no time had passed at all. He was just on the edge of walking over to say hello to her when she turned her back on him. He’d left everything when he left town, including the girl he loved. It was too late now. He was never going to get her back.