I turned to the direction of the voice, pulse pounding, my heart not completely ready for what.. or who.. I was about to see.
And there he was, standing a few steps away, his stare riveted on me, his face both familiar and striking.
Ryan.
His presence appeared to fill the place, even after all this time.
The years had simply added a certain maturity to his beautiful features: that strong jawline, deep brown eyes that strangely looked both warmer and sharper today, and an easy, confident smile that still had the potential to make me catch my breath.
He looked wealthier, more polished, like someone who’d matured into the ambition he always carried. The smallest shadow of a beard hinted at a more gruff side, but his suit was perfect, his attitude easy yet determined.
And then I spo
