Chapter 827

Maybe it was the way Ryan was looking at me—his eyes burning with intensity—that made me feel like it was suddenly hard to breathe.

Ryan quickly got himself together and pulled out a chair for me. “Have a seat.”

As I sat down, I noticed a heart-shaped candle flickering on the table, its flame dancing in the warm glow. A sleek little vase held two pink roses, their petals soft and radiant.

A hint of floral scent drifted in the air, and I couldn’t help but glance over at Ryan. All this romance—he must have set it up just for me.

Ryan didn’t avoid my eyes anymore. He looked at me sincerely and with a warm, passionate gaze. “The menu’s on your left. Go ahead and order.”

I picked up the menu, glanced through it, and ordered a few things I liked. I’d actually remembered Ryan’s preferences too, so I added a couple of his favorites to the order.

“So, how was your trip overseas?” Ryan asked in a gentle voice, genuinely curious.

I nodded. “It was nice—super chill, nothing rushed. I actually felt totally at ease the whole time.”

Ryan chuckled. “Didn’t Mr. Holcomb go with you?”

I picked up on the jealous note in his voice and replied softly, “I told him straight up—we’re both looking after the baby, but those days of traveling as a family are over.”

Ryan’s eyes grew brighter, and suddenly he reached out, laying his big, warm hand gently on the back of mine. The heat from his touch made my heart skip a beat.

Even though I felt a bit shy about it, I couldn’t deny—two years without any intimacy had really taken its toll on me. And now, it was like a spark had set dry tinder ablaze; my desires were flaring up, threatening to spiral out of control.

I snuck a peek at Ryan’s body. He used to be all lanky and lean, just a young guy still growing. But after getting toughened up in the army, he’d gotten way more solid.

“Are you blushing?” Ryan leaned in, eyes gleaming playfully as he studied my face.

My brain went haywire. His sudden nearness made it tough to breathe, and the way he looked at me—our eyes locking—had me completely caught up in the moment.

“Me? Blushing? No chance.” I put on my best cool-girl expression, refusing to admit his touch had totally thrown me off.

Ryan chuckled softly. “Then what are you so worked up about?”

“I’m not nervous,” I shot back, forcing myself to act calm.

Ryan had already figured me out. He quit messing around and just held my hand, absentmindedly tracing my fingers, his touch full of yearning and a quiet obsession.

“How long are you sticking around this time?” I asked, suddenly remembering to check.

“Three days,” Ryan replied.

“So, what’ve you got planned for the next three days?” I asked, wanting to know more about his plans.

A teasing smile flickered in Ryan’s eyes. “Finally care what I’m doing, huh?”

I froze for a sec, then joked, “If I don’t even know what my boyfriend’s up to, what if I get played?”

“I’d never lie to you,” Ryan said, sounding a little startled.

I shot him a deep, lingering look. “That’s exactly why I want to know more about you. Of course, if there’s stuff you can’t share…”

Ryan nodded, sincere as ever. “Honestly, work’s kinda off-limits, but anything else? Just ask.”

“Ryan, I actually thought you wouldn’t want to see me ever again,” I couldn’t help but ask, curiosity bubbling up inside me.

“Why would you think that? Did you really think I was done with you just because I stayed silent these last two years?” Ryan looked honestly surprised.

I nodded. “I mean, even married folks get divorced if they’re apart for two years. Not to mention, we weren’t even a couple.”

“Vic, did it ever cross your mind that maybe these past two years… I was putting you to the test?” Ryan’s words hit me like a bolt out of the blue.