N: B There was a small error in Chapter 68; it should be “Danielle Smith,” not “Alicia Smith”; apologies for the oversight, and I hope my editor accepts the edit.
“I love you, Daniella Smith, just say yes already.”
Bryan’s voice was low, but his eyes held a softness that made Alicia’s hands tremble.
He repeated it, this time slower, his words rolling off his tongue like he had been holding them in for years.
“It is complicated,” she said. “Even though I want to jump up at this… but I can’t. Bryan.”
For the first time, she admitted it, not just to him, but to herself. She had been fighting, running, pretending she could bury the feelings that crept up every time he looked at her. But here it was, raw and naked in front of him.
Her eyes welled up, a small tear sliding down. Quickly, sh
