Page 59 of Sweet Oblivion

I guess the truth it is.

“I don’t even know what to do, Ryker...”

I watch as his eyes lock on his thumb, the one on my pulse, before coming back to my own. “If it’s ever something you want to figure out...” he says slowly, like he’s choosing each word carefully. “You don’t have to go into it blind.”

My breath hitches, and I blink. “What does that mean?”

Ryker holds my gaze. He doesn’t look away. Doesn’tlaugh. Doesn’t even smile. “It means I’d make sure you were okay. Safe. Comfortable.”

Is he?—

Offering to?—

“That sounds like?—”

“Because it is,” he stops me.

Oh.

Oh . . .

Oh. My. God.

“That’s a terrible idea,” I whisper, stepping far enough back that Ryker drops his hold.

“Probably,” he agrees.

“You’re my fake fiancé.”

“Yeah.”

I run my teeth over my healing lip.“We’re already complicated.”

“Let’s not forget you’re shit at ASL.”

I nod, knowing he’s right and trying to ignore the way my body heats as he takes a step into me. “Then why would you even say that?”

“Because I wanted to,”—he wraps an arm around my waist—“and because I meant it.” A hand wraps around my neck, his thumb finding its way back to my pulse. “Because I’ve wanted you since the day I met you.”

Oh.

I guess on some level, I knew that. But hearing him say it is different.

This is so dumb.

“I don’t need lessons.”

I should be signing.

I should be backing away.

Hell, I should be running away.

“Never said you did.” Cocky ass.

“You implied it.” Jesus. Did those words even come out of my mouth or did I just think them?

“I offered, Bambi.”