Free Blurred Lies (The Blurred Series Book 1) by Elle Ellerton Page B

randomly hugging him like that.
    “Um, so...I told Nate I’d cook dinner tonight. I need to go to the store for the ingredients, so I guess I’ll see you back at the apartment. Thanks, again.” With that, I quickly turn without a second look and head down the street as fast as my wedge sandals can carry me, before Ryan can offer to go with me. I need some distance from him right now. 
    I glance back when I’m nearly turning the corner, and see that Ryan is still in the place I left him, gazing back at my retreating form.
    Whatever just happened between us - whatever that was when he snuck into my room last night - I need to move away from it, both literally and emotionally.
    Do not get attached to Ryan.

Chapter 7
    When I get back to the apartment, lasagna ingredients in tow, Ryan is nowhere to be seen. I’m part relieved, part disappointed by that. A little piece of me hoped he might be in the kitchen bopping around to loud music and awaiting my return... Preferably shirtless.
    Wait, what?  
    Why even a little piece of me hoped for that, I have no idea. Well, maybe a small idea. Okay, I know exactly why.
     
    I still have some time to spare before I need to start cooking, and I realize I never had the chance to respond to Land’s sweet message earlier - since Nate came home with Lunch and then the whole café job/Ryan thing happened. So I set the bags of groceries on the kitchen counter and head to my room.
    Pausing briefly outside Ryan’s closed bedroom door, I try to listen for any sign of life. I don’t hear much, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s not in there, so I hastily jump into my room and shut the door as quietly as possible, cringing when the hinges squeak, like if he hears me, he’ll know I was listening outside his room.
    Okay, seriously?
    Brushing off my silly thoughts, I sit in front of the laptop and log in.
     
    OffLand18 is online.
     
    So, I wasn’t really expecting him to be online right now. I’m not prepared. We haven’t had an actual conversation since... that.
    Oh God. What do I even say to him - “Thanks for the orgasm; sorry I had a level four meltdown afterwards?”
     
    OffLand18 says: I’m so glad you’re here. I thought I’d scared you off for good. I’m sorry. Please forgive me?
     
    BabyDove94 says: What? No! I’m the one who’s sorry. I shouldn’t have left like that. I should have just stayed and talked to you about it. You always have a way of making me feel better. Forgive me?
     
    OffLand18 says: There’s absolutely nothing to forgive, baby. All I want is for us to be good. Are we?
     
    BabyDove94 says: Better than good :)
     
    OffLand18 says: Awesome :) So how has your day been?
     
    I tell Land about everything that happened today and why I didn’t get a chance to respond to his message. He told me he’s proud of me for going after the job and that he’s happy me and Ryan are getting along better than I had anticipated. I can’t help but feel kind of guilty, because I’ve been having inappropriate thoughts about Ryan, and I know it would hurt Land if he knew, especially after...everything.
     
    BabyDove94 says: I really have to go start dinner. I promised my brother I’d cook tonight.
     
    OffLand18 says: Ok baby :( What’re you making?
     
    BabyDove94 says: Lasagna, my specialty.
     
    OffLand18 says: Oohh, my favorite! Well I don’t want to keep you from your womanly duties ;) Have a good night, my little dove. Good luck with your first day at work tomorrow, not that you need it.
     
    BabyDove94 says: Lol. Thanks. Well if I don’t show up tomorrow night, you’ll know I didn’t survive. Just promise to delete all evidence of our last conversation, should I not return!
     
    OffLand18 says: Hell no! I’m keeping that gold dust in my conversation log for all time, to go back to on cold lonely nights...
     
    BabyDove94 says: Ha-ha. You’re terrible. Seriously, though - thank you for being so understanding of my...emotions. Speak soon