As he worked, he spoke softly. “They’re being so childish, fighting over you in public like that. Don’t they realize they could ruin your reputation?”

“Yeah, they really are being childish,” I murmured, lost in the feeling of his hands. For some reason, what he said actually made sense.

Ryan continued, “If this ever happens again, just let it go. Do what you did today—just dip out. That’s the smartest move.”

“Alright,” I replied softly, eyes shut.

“Are you drunk?” Ryan asked, suddenly leaning in close.

I was already leaning back, and when he moved in so close, I instinctively opened my eyes. Our eyes met, and for a moment, I couldn’t breathe.

Ryan’s face was just unfair—young, ridiculously good-looking, like the sun coming up after a long night. He didn’t even have to try; he was just naturally that charming.

I couldn’t look away, totally caught up in staring at him.

His lips were that fresh, dewy rose color, soft and inviting, and when he flashed those perfect white teeth in a little smile, it was honestly impossible not to get drawn in.

By the time I realized he was doing it on purpose, my heart was already pounding, way ahead of my brain or my expression.

“Your face is so red,” Ryan teased, checking me out like I was a masterpiece, his eyes scanning every inch of my features.

The flirty vibe was making me want to run for it, so I squeezed my eyes shut, flustered. “Enough, I’m fine now.”

Just as I was about to get up, Ryan traced his fingers from my temples down to my cheek, then suddenly bent over me from behind and pressed his lips to mine.

His breath was sweet, like rain-kissed grass, and my whole body tingled all over.

Noticing I wasn’t resisting or pushing him away, Ryan just got even more daring.

That off-kilter kiss was way too much—way too hot. I couldn’t handle it, so I gave him a firm smack on the cheek.

Ryan finally straightened up, giving me this totally innocent look. “Hey, that actually hurt!”

“Serves you right for pulling that stunt!” I snapped, shooting him a glare.

There was a depth in Ryan’s eyes that didn’t match his age. He lowered his voice and asked, “So, are you and Nathan officially done?”

My mind was all over the place. Even if Nathan and I were over, I wasn’t about to rush into something new.

So, I decided to use that as an excuse, hoping it would make Ryan give up and back off.

“Not yet. We just had a bit of a falling out,” I said, trying to sound casual.

Ryan gave me this look I couldn’t quite read, his eyes so deep it felt like he could see straight through me.

I got a little flustered and escaped to the kitchen, pouring myself a glass of water to calm down.

“Would you really not even consider me?” Ryan asked, not pushing about Nathan anymore, just looking at me with that wounded expression.

The cold water snapped me back to my senses. I met his eyes and said seriously, “Honestly, I just want to put all my time into my career. Love is way too complicated.”

“I’m not gonna be all clingy like those guys,” Ryan said quietly. “If you want to focus on work, I’ll stay out of your way.”

“Even then, I’d still end up distracted. Sorry, Ryan, you really are amazing, but I’m just not looking for anything romantic right now,” I said, shaking my head.

Ryan just looked at me with those sad puppy eyes, like he’d been left out in the rain.

I turned my back on him.

“You always make time for them, and you’re always in the mood, but when it’s my turn, suddenly work is your excuse,” Ryan complained, sounding all hurt.

He almost made me laugh with how pouty he was, but honestly, he kind of had a point.

After a brief pause, Ryan said, “Nathan’s supposed to marry a girl named Emily Chancellor, isn’t he? You found out about that, and that’s why you broke up with him, right?”

I stiffened, turning to face him. “How do you even know that?”