Chapter 93

It felt like ages since I last rode a bike. “Bike,” I mumbled, pointing at one nearby. Now, we could rent them with a phone scan, so Wayne pulled out his and scanned one. I reached for my phone, but he stopped me. “You’ve been drinking—you shouldn’t be riding.”

“They seriously check for drunk biking now?” I asked, tilting my head.

“Yeah, and besides…” Wayne gently grabbed my arm—a touch so different from Jace’s harsh grip. “It’s dangerous.”

Gentle and kind—words made for Wayne. I smiled. “Isn’t that why you’re here?”

“If you want to ride, we can another time. But not tonight. I’ll take you,” he said, guiding me to his rented bike.

He got on and pulled me onto the back. “Hold on tight, okay?”

I clutched his shirt. “Got it.”

The night breeze was refreshing. This—a bike ride with Wayne—was something Jace, who preferred motorcycles, never gave me. They were brothers, yet so different: Wayne, the gentleman; Jace, wild and reckless.

“Rough day?” Wayne asked, breaking the silence.

“No, it’s been fine,” I replied, trying to sound casual.

“Still not over Jace?” he pressed gently.

I playfully punched his shoulder. “Who says I haven’t moved on? I’m so over him. After tonight, we’re done. He’s him, and I’m me.”

Wayne didn’t push it, simply pedaling forward. After a while, I said, “Take me to the Holiday Inn. I work tomorrow.”

“Rea,” Wayne said. Before I could respond, he asked, “Why is it that in your eyes, there’s only Jace? Why, between him and me, is it always him?”

My grip tightened, my heart skipped a beat. I’d noticed his feelings long ago, but hadn’t wanted to admit it. So it wasn’t just a brotherly affection.

“Because he’s my fiancé. Everyone always said he was the one,” I replied.

Chapter 93

“But now that you’re no longer with him… what about me?” Wayne hesitated. “Do I have a chance?”

My heart raced. It took a moment to respond. “I’ve always seen you as a brother.”

Wayne said nothing, silently biking to the hotel. When I got off, the alcohol hit me harder, and I almost stumbled. Wayne caught me instantly, smoothly parking the bike.

“I’ll walk you up,” he offered.

“No, it’s fine,” I tried to pull away.

But Wayne held on, his grip firm. “Rea, I don’t want to just be your brother. I want to take care of you, for the rest of my life.”

A lump formed in my throat.

“If you were still with Jace, I never would’ve said this. But now that you’re not, I want to take my shot.” His voice was deep, thick with emotion.

It was so heavy, I felt breathless. I dug my nails into my palm, forcing myself to speak. “I’ve only ever seen you as a brother, from the beginning to the end.”

Wayne’s eyes dimmed, his voice cracking. “But could you try, just once, to not see me as your brother?”

“Ms. Kay, burning the midnight oil again? Don’t you have work tomorrow?” Hayden’s voice suddenly cut through the tension.

He approached, looking casual in gray loungewear and slippers, but his steps were assured. As I stood frozen, I felt a sharp tug on my wrist. Hayden had grabbed me, and Wayne’s grip on my other hand tightened.

Chapter 94