Page 49 of Running Risk

CLAYTON: NOW

Having Rylee in my arms is like having my world set right.

I’ve been miserable ever since that day she left my house.

There’s only one other time I’ve seen her this upset.

I was hoping our talk on the mountain would help things, but it feels like everything is still the same.

She wants nothing to do with me, and I want her with every fiber of my being.

I poured my heart out to her, and she was content to walk away.

“Ry,” I breathe out. Her body tenses under my touch, and I immediately regret breaking our peaceful dance.

But I can’t keep doing this. I’m the shell of a man that I used to be, and it kills me to be this close to her and not have her.

I can’t live with her hating me anymore.

I want to show her I’m a different man from the immature teenager I used to be.

“Don’t.” Her voice is barely a whisper.

I squeeze her against me harder, and thankfully, she doesn’t resist. I hold her, hoping the song will last forever.

Each moment that passes is another stitch healing my heart.

When the last chord of the song ends, she yanks her hands away to get out of my grasp.

My shoulders sag as I follow her back to the table.

I don’t know what else I can do at this point .

Avery’s eyebrows furrow as he looks me up and down. He’s always been able to read me, and quite honestly, I have no energy to fake any feelings to make anyone else feel better. I’m only here because I knew Rylee would be, and I had to see her, even if I knew it would torture me.

“I’m hungry. Let’s get burgers and fries,” Trish says once we get off the dance floor.

“I’m game,” Avery says, giving her a high five.

“It’s late,” I say, rubbing the back of my neck. I always go to bed by ten, so I can get to work early. But also because I’m fucking tired.

“I’m in.” Rylee looks at me almost like she’s quietly asking me to go too.

“It’s only nine, old man. Let’s eat.” Avery hooks his arm around my neck.

I’m about to shake my head, but I can’t help but be relieved, knowing she wants me to go.

Rylee crosses her arms, pushing her chest up and making my brain work harder to think clearly. She’s staying quiet, but she’s waiting for me, not storming away.

“We all have work in the morning. You can miss a few hours of sleep, and maybe the boss will be less cranky with fewer hours of beauty sleep.” Avery chuckles. “Since you seem to be cranky with the amount of sleep you’re getting now.”

My eyes narrow on Avery. “Fine, but I’m going for her. Not you.” I point my finger at Avery’s face, and I don’t miss the slight surprise on Rylee’s face before she schools it back to neutral.