Their relationship often struck a nerve 14

Their relationship often struck a nerve 14

Chapter Fourteen 

Celeste’s POV 

Celeste, I’ve been looking all over for you. Long time no see.” 

I looked up at the drop dead gorgeous man in front of me in bewilderment

A pair of dimples cut into his sculpted face as he smiled at me. My eyebrows furrowed at the hint of affection that twinkled in his green eyes

I hadn’t a clue who he was

Celeste, don’t tell me you’ve forgotten all about me?” 

He placed an elbow on the cocktail table beside me and lazily rested his chin on his hand, narrowing the space between us. Thick, dark lashes framed his eyes. They were deeper and clearer than the finest jade gemstones I’d 

ever seen

The man’s gaze delicately brushed my face, as if committing each feature to memory

I could never forget you.” 

His voice was a husky murmur so low I could just make out the words

It sent my heart racing

I was a grown woman. I couldn’t let this twentysomething year old kid charm me into a puddle on the banquet hall floor

Ryan Edwards,He stood tall and extended a hand, Notorious popsicle smuggler.” 

I shook his hand before I could process his words. Warm fingers curled over mine, squeezing, and a trail of goosebumps erupted up my arm

Rein it in, Celeste

Popsicle smuggler?I asked, puzzled

He released my hand

I used to steal popsicles from home and sneak them to you over the wall. Your parents never let you have any because of your lactose intolerance.A dimple popped out as he gave me a lopsided grin. You really don’t remember?” 

My eyes widened as realization dawned

It was that sweet rascal who lived next door until his family moved away. He was five or six years younger than me and just reaching his awkward teen phase when he left

How had I not recognized him

I beamed up at him. Ryan? I can’t believe it’s you!” 

Before I could think, I threw my arms round him. He gently squeezed me, and the hardness of his ar surprised me. There was lean muscle under his clothes

d chest 

I pulled away, feeling too hot. Ryan was like a little brother to me. I shouldn’t be thinking about what was beneath his clothes

1/3 

+25 BONUS 

Chapter Fourteen 

Not having sex in ages was taking its toll

It’s great to see you again, Celeste.he said

I narrowed my eyes. Of all the stories you could have used to jog my memory, why did you choose the most embarrassing one?” 

He grinned. We both know that’s far from the most embarrassing.” 

I folded my arms. There couldn’t be anything worse than my reaction to dairy

Don’t believe me? There’s that time you cut your own bangs.He started counting on his fingers. When you set off your dad’s car alarm and lost the keys under the seat. The entire street saw you and that guy locked in there with your-” 

I covered his mouth and glanced around to make sure no one was listening. Ryan let out a throaty laugh as I released him

I narrowed my eyes. Two can play at that game.” 

He raised an eyebrow. I was a perfect child. No one found me topless with-” 

You asked for it.I cut him off. Remember when Mr. Landly’s chihuahua chased you down the street? You literally peed your pants before I rescued you.” 

I laughed from my stomach

Ryan said. I told you I spilled my juice! And we both know that chihuahua was a rabid demon.” 

Ahhuh, if you say so.” 

He shook his head with a smile

“So you don’t recognize me, but you remember that incident?” 

I wiped my eyes. It’s seared into my mind.” 

That’s regrettable.‘ 

Plus,I said as I looked at the man he’d become. You were a scrawny teen when you left. Now you’re almost two heads taller than me and you’ve filled out. You’ve changed a lot.” 

You haven’t changed one bit.He tucked a lock of hair behind my ear. You’re still the same Celeste. Funny, beautiful.” 

My stomach fluttered

And so much fun to tease.He chuckled

I scoffed and punched his arm

Don’t get cheeky with me.I glared at him. Even if you shot up like a weed, I’m still older than you.‘ 

Ryan clutched his arm with exaggerated pain and I rolled my eyes. He was always a trickster. I see that hadn’t changed

How did you know I’d be here?I asked

Oh, I came with a friend. When I saw your name in the exhibit, I thought it might be you.” 

He must be someone’s date

2/3 

Ryan ran his fingers through his hair I inched to fix in the poet to when te wy 

What have you been ap to since I mared away he hat 

After highschool, I studied jewelry design free loved copies scanned me, but get dirty die graduation 

He nodded, listening intently 

So I stayed home to raise my daughter. I was a housewife my livsrce a for months ago Seating impressive

Celeste, don’t put yourself downHe sounded serions for once, taking me by one THE personal sacrifice for your family. That’s something to be ground of” 

Ryan had said just the right thing Self doubt often crept inand reminders like this were much needed Behat matured after all this time apart

Besides, He pinned me with those mesmerizing green eyes. Yow that you’re able, I won’t feel guilty when I pursue you.” 

I couldn’t help but laugh. I was mistaken. Ryan may have grown into an regnizable man, but he wa jokester he’d always been

Maybe just a little bolder

I have no time for romance. I’m working tirelessly to get my career off the grond so I can afford to take custody of my child. Besides,I looked him up and down I don’t dare little boys.

  • I smirked as he winced. He must be a terrible flint. That would teach him not to play with a woman’s heart 

Just then, Grace returned with our design professor in tow 

Sorry for the wait. I got stuck in a deathly boring conversation Thankfully Dominique rescued me.She passed me a drink as she eyed Ryan with glee. But I’m glad you weren’t lonely” 

I knew what she was thinking and she couldn’t be more offbase

Our professor turned to me

Celeste, I wanted to catch you before I left. There’s an upcoming design exhibition that would benefit your career. You should participate.” 

It was kind of her to think of me

That would be amazing,I said with a smile

+16 BARS 

Chapter Fifteen 

Their relationship often struck a nerve

Their relationship often struck a nerve

Status: Ongoing

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