“If you say so.” I kiss him, then climb out of the bed, satisfied when his eyes dilate as the bedsheet falls away from my naked body. “Don’t give me that look. I have to go to work today.”

“You’re the one walking around naked, all willy-nilly.”

I laugh and shake my head, finger combing my hair. “I’m taking a shower.”

“Excellent idea.” He bounds out of the bed and jogs toward me, making me run ahead of him into the bathroom, both of us giggling like kids.

Jesus, he’s fun. I couldn’t love him more than I do right now.

***

I glance at the time on my phone and frown. How is it possible that it’s barely one in the afternoon? This day is dragging.

Painfully.

“Charly, someone is here to see you,” Linda says as she pops her head through the stockroom door. I’ve been spending all morning placing orders and drawing up plans for displays for the girls when I’m gone.

My hopes are immediately boosted, certain that it’ll be Simon who comes walking through the door, but instead I’m shocked to see Ryan saunter in.

“Thanks, Linda,” he says and winks at my assistant, then tosses me his most charming smile. “Boy, you’re a sight for sore eyes, darlin’.”

Ugh.

“Ryan—”

“I know, it’s been a while, but hear me out.” Linda disappears into the store, and I’m left alone with the one man on this earth that I’d rather not see. Not because I hate him, or even feel anything for him, really. I’ve moved on from him.

“I really don’t have time.”

“All I need is five minutes.” He drags his knuckles down my cheek and leans on the counter next to me, caging me in. “You’re beautiful, Charly.”

“Thanks. Now, if that’s all you came for—”

“You know better,” he replies and smiles, and all I can think is, what in the hell did I ever see in him? He’s kind of… smarmy. And he hasn’t grown up even one bit since college.

“What can I do for you, Ryan?”

“I want to see you. Later.”

“Not possible.”

“Come on, don’t be stubborn, baby. I’m telling you, what you heard Pam say was all a misunderstanding.”

I snort. “Right. And I’m the tooth fairy.”

“I’m not seeing her,” he insists. “And I miss you. I miss what we had together.”

“What did we have together, Ryan?”

“Are you going to deny that the sex was fantastic?”

I sigh and rub my fingertips over my forehead. “No. I’ll give you that. The sex was pretty great. But at the end of the day, that’s all it ever was, Ryan.”

“And we both knew the score, Charly. You never complained about that.”

“You’re right.” I nod. “I didn’t. And maybe I should have.”

“Are you saying you want more?” he asks, and seems to be genuinely intrigued at the idea, and I simply chuckle.

“I don’t think so. Look, Ryan, you’re not a bad guy.”

“I’m a great guy,” he says, all full of ego and arrogance, only turning me off more. I want to roll my eyes, but it’s almost funny now. “And you like me.”

“I always liked you,” I concede. “I’m not positive that was ever returned.”

“I like you.” He leans in closer and rubs his hand over my hip. “I want you. I miss you, baby.”

I sigh, looking up in his green eyes, and realize for the second time today just how much I love Simon. Ryan touches me and I feel nothing.

When Simon touches me, I’m on fire.

But if I start this conversation with Ryan now, I’ll never get him out of here, and I really don’t have time to argue with him.

“Ryan, I have a lot of work to get through, and I’m leaving town in the morning.”

“Don’t send me away with nothing,” he says, almost pleading.

“I’ll call you when I get back to town.”

I will so not call you when I get back to town.

“Excellent,” he replies and kisses my cheek. “I can’t wait.”

He winks and leaves, a spring in his step, and I can only shake my head. I guess I should be thankful for Ryan and the lessons I learned from him.

But it’s completely over between him and me. I have closed that chapter in my life, and I’m happy with the chapter that Simon and I are writing together.

I smile at the romantic path my thoughts have taken and turn back to the computer, just as Linda walks back into the storeroom carrying a brown paper bag.

“You just missed Simon. He brought you lunch, but said he couldn’t stay.”

“Oh, how sweet.” I smile, but I’m disappointed that I missed him. “Thank you. Is everything okay out there?”

“I’m fine,” she says and pats me on the shoulder. “I’m glad you hired Abby. She’s great with the customers and that girl loves shoes.”

“That’s the first priority,” I reply with a smile. “If you love the shoes, selling them is easy.”

“I like her.”

“Good. Because I need to know that everything will be handled here while I’m out of the country.”

“Don’t worry, boss. We got this.” Linda winks and leaves me alone with the delicious smells coming from the bag Simon delivered. I grab my phone and type out a quick text to him.

I’m so sorry that I missed you! I was dealing with some needless drama, but all is well. Excited to see you tonight! And thank you for the food. <3