Page 44 of When In Doubt

Oscar scowls at him. “So what, you brought her in like a stray cat?”

“I figured she was here for you.” Ryan shrugs, still smiling.

“Don’t talk about her like she’s not here.”

“Sorry, Murph.”

Oscar just glares at him, his hand still on my arm.

Ryan’s face turns red as he looks at where Oscar’s touching me. “Sorry, Freya.”

“It’s okay,” I murmur.

“Here, come with me.” Oscar’s hand moves to the small of my back as he guides us from the gym. Away from the noise and the curious gazes of all those people, I’m able to think clearer.

“You good?” he asks.

“I’m alright.”

We end up in one of the bunk rooms. Oscar has me sit on an empty bed and he pulls up a chair, positioning himself in front of me. There’s an inch between our knees that I can’t stop staring at, wondering what it would feel like if he scooted forward. Jesus Christ, I must seriously be in the trenches of touch deprivation if I’m fantasizing about the knees of a guy I hardly know.

“I’m sorry for showing up,” I blurt out. “I can go if you’re busy.”

“I’ve got time,” he says gently, holding my gaze.

I break our stare, looking down at my lap.

“Did you wanna talk to me about something?”

I clench my fists, willing myself to just say my piece, and then get the hell out of here. He’ll be happy once I’ve explained. “Yes.”

We sit in silence for a beat. “Which was?” He leans forward, propping his elbows on his thighs.

I take a deep breath. “I wanted to come and let you off the hook.”

He frowns, clasping his hands in front of him and ducking down to meet my eyeline. “Freya. What the hell are you talking about?”

“I know you only offered to come with me to Denver because your mom was worried, and I wanted to tell you that it’s really not necessary.” It’s the only explanation that makes sense. “I can talk to Valerie and tell her that I asked you not to take me, so she won’t be mad. You don’t need to give up your whole day to⁠—”

“Freya.”

“—I mean, we don’t really know each other, and I appreciate the offer, and how nice you’ve been, aside from the first time, but I think we’re over that now.”

“Freya, stop.” He cuts me off, and thank God, because I don’t know how I was planning on finishing that ramble.

“Sorry,” I mumble.

“Don’t apologize.” I feel pinned by his stare, like he’s seeing everything I thought I’d kept hidden. “Did I do something to upset you?”

“What? No!” I protest.

“Then, why do you think that I’m only helping you because it’s what my mother wants?”

“But…”

“This is between you and me. Nobody else matters. I offered to come because I want to, no other reason. Do you want me to come to Denver, Freya?”

“You don’t have to.”