<b>Chapter </b><b>486 </b>


    “Last night, I was really happy,” Ryan admitted, nibbling his lower lip, a shy smile on his face.


    “I felt really good too,” I said, turning to look him in the eyes.


    Ryan’s eyes sparkled, and for


    a moment, it felt like we’d dived even deeper into this ocean of feelings like we were truly lovers now


    But only I knew I was still holding back, while he… had let all his walls down for me.


    It took Ryan more than ten minutes to get my thick hair dry. When he finished, he bent down and nted a proud kiss on my hair. <i>“</i>Vic, don’t worry f figure out how to take care of you.”


    “Let’s see what you’ve got.” I wasn’t putting


    <i>my </i>tough–girl act anymore. Guys are funny–act a little helpless, and they’ll move mountains for you.


    I checked the time and said, “You should head home for breakfast. I’ve got an early meeting at nine–thirty.”


    Ryan stared at me in disbelief as I headed into the bedroom to get changed. He rushed to brush his teeth, then darted back into my room. “Wait, you’re really going to work today?”


    I was already in my pencil skirt and a silver blouse, just about to button it <i>up</i><i>. </i>


    Ryan came over, his breath a little unsteady. His eyes lingered on my half–buttoned blouse, and he gave me a pitiful look. “I’m flying back to Braylin <b>this </b>afternoon. Can’t you stay with me a little longer?”


    I looked up at him, stood on my tiptoes, and kissed his cheek. “Don’t worry. We’ve got plenty of time. I’ll be moving to Braylin for work soon<b>.</b><b>” </b>


    “Alright, I’ll have Uncle Ryan get you a top spot in Braylin. You can get into management early and start making real decisions…”


    Surprised, I interrupted him. “I’m not joining the Jennings Group. I already promised Jared I’d take charge of the hotel development in Braylin.”


    “What?” Ryan’s eyes went wide as he grabbed my wrist. “I thought we agreed–you’de back to Braylin and work for my family’spany.”


    “We never talked about that,” I said, gently pulling my wrist free. “Honestly, I like my current job, and Jared actually appreciates what I do<b>.</b><b>” </b>


    Ryan was clearly caught off guard, his face falling as he stared at me for a few seconds, looking hurt. “Vic, why are you turning me down?”


    I thought, if I ended up at the Jennings Group, that’d mean Edward as my direct boss–honestly, that’s just asking for trouble.


    Between Edward and Jared, dealing with Jared is a walk in the park.


    “Ryan, I agreed to date you, not to merge into your family. So please, respect my choices,” I said, buttoning up, throwing on a jacket, smoothing my hair, and settling in front of the vanity to do my makeup.


    Ryan just stood there, stunned, his tall figure trailing after me,


    looking all r


    <i>ay </i>and downcast by the mirror.


    I wasn’t about to let Ryan think I was the type to lean on him for everything. Guys get interested fast, but they lose that spark even faster.


    But if I kept being that wild wind he could never pin/down, always keeping things fresh, he’d never want to let me go.


    Yeah, I was going to be the kind of woman no man could control–the kind who’d make him see that with or without him, my world would keep turning just fine.


    “Vic, you really know how to leave me helpless,” Ryan said, finally pulling himself together. He crouched down, looking up at me. “Alright, I’ll <b>respect </b><b>your </b>choice.”


    I smiled, my eyes soft, and gently pinched his cheek with my fingers. “Thanks.”


    An


    <b>08.08 </b>Mon, 1 Sept


    Ryan looked like he’d just been praised, rubbing his cheek against my fingers, totally smitten.


    I went for a subtle makeup look–my features were naturally radiant and bold, so just a touch of color was all I needed.


    Just as I was about to head out, Ryan held me tight from behind, clearly reluctant to let me go. “Vic, L… I want more…”


    He was like a clingy little wild thing, totally wrapped up in me. I just patted his fingers and asked, “What time’s your flight this afternoon?”


    “Around four,” he replied.


    “I’ll be back for lunch,” I said softly.


    Ryan finally let go, a happy smile spreading across his face. “Great, I’ll have the housekeeper cook something for you.”


    I nodded, grabbed my bag, and headed for the door. Ryan walked me to the doorway and said, “Or, you coulde over to my ce for lunch…


    “Maybe. We’ll see,” I said, giving him a quick nod before shutting the door behind me.


    When a guy’s at his most lovesick, that’s exactly when you gotta hit him with a reality check. That’s how you make it unforgettable for him.


    Ryan<i>, </i>a little miffed, popped the door open again, giving me those puppy eyes. “Vic, you’re mming the door so hard, it’s about to fall apart.”


    I just grinned, totally amused. “If it’s that weak, it’s


    not worthy of being my door.”


    I strode into the elevator, and Ryan looked like he wanted to chase after me, but with just a towel on, he chickened out at thest second.


    At the office, I sat through our regr meeting. Around eleven, I got a call. “I’m downstairs. Let’s talk.”


    It was Edward<i>. </i>