Surprise and warmth bloomed in my chest, tangled with a sharp stab of guilt and the unwanted shadow of Ryder’s face. But Ryan was right here, trying so hard to make me happy.After a beat, I met his eyes. “Yes.”His grin spread wide and bright, lighting up his entire face. For a moment, everything felt light. He let out a relieved laugh and reached across the small table to take both my hands in his.“Really?” he asked, thumb stroking gently over my knuckles. “God, you just made my night.”He didn’t let go of my hands for a long moment, his eyes soft and happy in the glow of the string lights. We stayed like that, talking and laughing quietly as the music played on. He ordered us another round of drinks to celebrate, clinking his glass against mine with a playful “To new beginnings.”Later, when he dropped me home later, he walked me all the way to the door, cupped my face gently between his hands, and pressed a soft kiss to my cheek.“Text me when you’re inside,” he murmured, steppin
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