Page 73 of Choosing Us

She’s … embarrassed? Am I reading that right?

“Good. Do you want some coffee on the way back, or I can make some when we get home?”

“Is that it?”

I turn to glance at her before moving my eyes back to the road. “Is what it?”

“I … I ran away from you, quite literally, and instead of getting mad, you wait and then offer me coffee?” Her voice raises at the end, confused by my actions.

But she shouldn’t be—not if she’s been paying attention.

I nod and take a beat before responding, ensuring my tone is calm and even. “That wasn’t ideal, but I shouldn’t have kept you trapped in my SUV either, and I apologize for that.”

She stares at me, eyebrows scrunched, waiting for me to say more.

“Do you think you can forgive me?”

“I … yes, I, well, I should be the one asking for forgiveness. I shouldn’t run away from you or hard conversations, Ryan. I’m sorry.” Her eyes fill with tears as she tries to blink them away.

I can’t restrain myself anymore. I reach out and take her hand in mine. Thankfully, she grabs my hand with both of hers and holds our joined hands in her lap. The tension in my shoulders eases at her touch.

“I would much rather you not run from me when you’re upset, but you have to know, Harlow, I’m not going anywhere.”

Not from hard conversations, not from her, not from what we are building.

“I can see that. And … thank you for staying,” she quietly adds as she squeezes my hand.

I gently squeeze her hand back. “Hey,” I say to get her attention, and she finally meets my gaze. “I’m right here, Lo.”

“And if I run?” she asks, leaning her head back against the headrest.

“Well, we just have to work on you running to me, instead of from me. But we’ll work on it.”

The small smile and quite hum she gives me in return tells me more than any spoken word.

CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

Walker

Hey, Viv mentioned you’re going to be in town today. Can you find some time for us to meet? I’d like to grab coffee just the two of us if possible.

Me

Hey… sure. Is everything ok?

Walker

Yeah, we just need to talk. See you at Java Jive at 4?

Me

I can do that. But … am I in trouble? You didn’t say anything at the hospital yesterday.

Walker

It’s just a conversation. I’ll see you soon.

Oh, no, today is the day.